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Extended Learning

Peer Mentors

Mission, Vision, FAQ Future Scholars & How To Apply Program Overview Financial Resources Program Costs

We need you!  

The CSUSM Aspiring Scholars Program offers individuals ages 18 and older with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in academic coursework, internships, enhance independent living skills, and participate in campus activities, clubs, and events. We are looking for dedicated students to serve as peer mentors for students enrolled in the Aspiring Scholars Program. We ask that peer mentors commit for at least one semester.

Peer mentors provide:

  • Academic Support: Mentors help CSUSM Aspiring Scholars with organization, executive functioning, planning, accessing course materials and tutoring for academic classes. Peer mentors can attend courses with CSUSM Aspiring Scholars as needed. 
  • Social Engagement Support: Peer Mentors teach CSUSM Aspiring Scholars how to navigate campus, engage in student organizations, and facilitate participation in clubs and events on campus.  
  • Skill Development Support: Peer Mentors can support CSUSM Aspiring Scholars in developing career readiness skills and  independent living skills. 

Benefits

The support peer mentors can provide is instrumental in the success of CSUSM Aspiring Scholars accessing academic courses and participating in campus life. While being a peer mentor can be immensely beneficial for the Aspiring Scholar, peer mentors also benefit greatly.

All of the skills listed below can be a positive impact of being a peer mentor and are critical to any future career of CSUSM graduates.

  • Communication skills
  • Patience
  • Compassion
  • Flexibility
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Ability to create inclusive opportunities for everyone
  • Deepens their understanding of the diverse world in which we live

Roles

Cal State San Marcos has been acknowledged for the rigor and success it provides to create well-rounded members of society. Become a peer mentor today to assist CSUSM Scholars in developing strong skills through academia and work skill development.  

Become a peer mentor today to support Aspiring Scholars in:

  • Academic classes
  • Sporting events
  • U Hour activities
  • Clubs and events on our campus

Responsibilities

Peer mentors are trained and supported by the CSUSM Aspiring Scholars program staff. They provide academic support and facilitate social opportunities in order for students to become more involved in campus life. In addition, peer mentors offer on-going guidance in the areas of career readiness, health and wellness, and independent living skills to students as needed.

Depending on the assigned job you are given as a peer mentor, your responsibilities may include:

  • Attending university courses to provide in-class support to help the student access course materials and instructions
  • Meeting with the student before or after a class to provide tutorin
  • Assisting a student with organization, time management, communication, planning, and decision-making skills
  • Facilitating student participation in university clubs/organizations and recreational activities
  • Attending events on campus with students
  • Modeling appropriate behaviors and etiquette in classroom and social settings
  • Offering guidance and assistance as needed with navigating campus and accessing university resources
  • Encouraging positive life skills such as proper nutrition, fitness, money management, stress management, etc.
  • Communicating with others to help support student’s needs

Peer mentors are expected to serve a minimum of 3-hours per week for one full semester, complete a mandatory training, and participate in ongoing training/discussions as needed with the Program Director and Staff throughout the semester.

Note
If selected, all peer mentors are required to complete a criminal background check and fingerprinting/livescan as they will be working closely with individuals with disabilities.

How to Become a Peer Mentor

  1. If you are enrolled in a course that requires service-learning, select CSUSM Scholars Peer Mentoring. View Service Learning Webpage
  2. If you are interested and do not need service-learning experience, you may become a peer mentor for CSUSM Scholars by completing this application.
    Apply Today!

Additional requirements for peer mentors:

  • Background Check (e.g. fingerprinting/livescan, driving record)
  • Must be 18 or older