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Residential Peer Mentors General Information 

What are FYI Residential Peer Mentors? 

The FYI (First Year Interface) program emphasizes the importance of first year students being connected to the college and being engaged in a meaningful and intentional manner as they make the transition from high school to college. First year students arrive at college anticipating certain challenges such as leaving friends and family, gaining a greater degree of social independence, and learning to effectively deal with time management. Despite their preparation, they may also face a number of unanticipated social or academic challenges. The student may quickly realize the strategies that were successful in high school may no longer apply.

FYI Residential Peer Mentors add a new dimension to the FYI program for the 2007-08 academic year. FYI Residential Peer Mentors (RPMs) will be selected during an application and interview process in the spring of 2007. They will be asked to live together on the second floor of Carlisle Hall, and form a community that will serve to enhance their own personal growth and development while mentoring a group of first year students. RPMs will serve an important role as mentors to new students who participate in the FYI program. Mentors who are selected will have already established themselves as campus leaders in various areas ranging from academic excellence, community service, or in a student organization leadership position.

FYI Residential Peer Mentors will be expected to form meaningful relationships and actively work with first year students in order to effectively assist in this pivotal transition, which will culminate in a final capstone activity…The Big Event. During the spring semester, participants will have the opportunity to put the connections and leadership skills they have learned to the test. All RPMs and their mentoring groups will collaborate in developing, planning and implementing The Big Event, which will be a service/social opportunity for Wofford and/or the surrounding community. The FYI Residential Peer Mentors selected will also be instrumental in planning and implementing new initiatives for the program.

What are the benefits of being an FYI Residential Peer Mentor? 

FYI Residential Peer Mentors will receive the following benefits:

  • assisting the college in fulfilling its mission and goals for first year students
  • training in communication, group dynamics, facilitation and leadership skills
  • experience in facilitating group discussions
  • developing and planning a successful learning environment for first year students
  • establishing meaningful relationships with first year students
  • developing transferable skills to future career goals and plans
  • living in premier housing, Carlisle Hall, strategically close to first year students
  • able to live with roommate of your choice
What are the responsibilities and expectations for FYI Residential Peer Mentors?

FYI Residential Peer Mentors will be expected to mentor their first year mentoring group by:

  • actively mentor a selected group of first year students
  • assist students in the transition from high school to college
  • serve as an advocate for the interests and needs for first year students
  • serve as a mentor for academic, co-curricular, and leadership involvement
  • assist in planning the FYI group content, and logistics with FYI staff
  • participate and assist in facilitating group discussions (FYI groups meet once per week for a meal during the first eight weeks of the academic calendar)
  • being responsible for having continual contact with your first year students leading up to developing, planning and implementing The Big Event during the spring semester.
  • serve as a liaison for student feedback to the FYI staff
  • assist in evaluation of the program
  • participate in spring training for FYI Residential Peer Mentors.
  • meet with the FYI group at a minimum of once per month the remainder of their first year with four to six informal contacts between regularly scheduled meetings (e.g. email, calls, notes).
What is the application process for FYI Residential Peer Mentors? 
For information about the FYI Residential Peer Mentors application process, please contact Dean Wallace (wallaceed@wofford.edu).

Do you have questions about FYI Residential Peer Mentors? 
Any questions regarding FYI Residential Peer Mentors should be directed to Dean Wallace (wallaceed@wofford.edu)