For many freshmen, transitioning to college often means stepping into a world filled with newfound independence, leaving home for the first time, and a journey to discover their identity in an unfamiliar setting. Recognizing these challenges, Morningside’s Career Services launched its Peer Mentors program in 2021 through an AmeriCorps grant, pairing upperclassmen with incoming freshmen to help them navigate first year obstacles.

Peer mentoring programs are blossoming in schools nationwide. Retention rates have been a priority post-COVID, and having a peer mentor to help students find belonging is invaluable. Data from various institutions show that students who participate in peer mentoring programs are approximately 18% more likely to remain in college than those who do not. Participation in mentorship programs have also been linked to increases in graduation rates and GPA.

“The Peer Mentoring Program is designed to help students with everything from minor issues, like a non-functioning key card, to major academic challenges,” explains Katie Koithan, student experience and retention coordinator, “and it provides them with the support and guidance needed to navigate the complexities of their first year.”

In the program’s first year in 2021, it targeted participants of the X Path program, an exploring major for students unsure of their career goals. After a positive pilot, the program extended its reach to underrepresented students, such as those from low-income families, commuters, first-generation students, minorities, international students or students from out of state, along with students who were unaffiliated with any activities on campus. Associate Vice President of Careers, Life, and Success Stacie Hays reflects back on the initial success of the program.

“Having peer mentors has given us the ability to intervene at a sooner rate. If a student is unhappy, it’s unlikely that they’re going to come and talk to me or Katie or any adult yet, whereas, when they’re talking to the students, they feel a little bit more comfortable in sharing their concerns. Peer mentors are able to really take the hands of these first year students the first couple of weeks and meet them where they are. This immediately fosters the message of, ‘You are not alone.’”

As a direct result of the program’s success so far, this year, every first-year student enrolling for the 2024-25 academic year will be paired with a peer mentor – a move that Hays and Koithan agree is the right one for Morningside students.

 “Sometimes, the students who seem most well-adjusted face the hardest transition. It’s all about making every student feel seen and heard. Sometimes, all it takes is sitting down with someone for a cup of coffee and a conversation,” says Koithan.

Jose Lopez, a junior majoring in Agricultural and Food Studies, took part in the program’s pilot year and can testify to the value of the program.

“When I was part of the program, it was just the X Path students, and it was really fun. We had many connecting activities with others facing similar challenges. It was important during my first semester because I didn’t know what major to choose, and these connections helped guide me,” he recalls. 

After being inspired by his positive experience with his own peer mentor, Jose now serves as a peer mentor himself and emphasizes the significance of having reliable points of contact and positive energy when starting college. 

“Meeting up with other mentee groups helps build community, especially when you have a common advocate like a mentor. Just having a good person there to ask questions makes a huge difference. As a mentor, I get to be the person who fosters these connections, snowballing into broader involvement on campus. I enjoy letting my mentees know about campus events and seeing them find their friend groups and their community,” he asserts.

From bowling nights, to study sessions in the library, to eating together in the cafeteria, these interactions help mentees form friendships and build a sense of community. First-year students have access to their peer mentors throughout their entire first year, providing continuity and support even for those who transfer mid-year. 

“One of the most important aspects of the program is building a sense of community. Knowing there’s someone you can reach out to makes it easier for students to integrate into other aspects of campus life. With a peer mentor at their side, they feel heard and advocated for in ways previously unavailable,” Koithan emphasizes.

It’s not just the mentees who benefit from the program, either. Chandler Todd ‘24 who now is a development officer at Morningside was a mentor in the 2021 pilot year until he graduated. His willingness to mentor came from a desire to help first-year students acclimate to Morningside as smoothly as he did.

 “I’ve seen it all—from students struggling with classes to academic probation, to excelling beyond expectations. Meeting with different people about campus needs gave me insight into what students face,” he shares. “The program brought us peer mentors all closer together and deepened our love for Morningside. It pushed us to be better people and solidified bonds within our team.”

Becoming a peer mentor involves a formalized training process. Students must complete a campus-wide application sent by Stacie Hays in the spring, with faculty, staff, and students welcome to nominate candidates. After applications are submitted, Koithan conducts interviews to select the final group of leaders from all different backgrounds and majors. Peer mentors then must undergo continuous training that covers academic resources, emotional and mental health cues, and complete summer modules.

“What we have seen with our peer mentors that’s really special is we see them become really accountable. So being able to be there for students and I think a lot of them find the work to be really rewarding. It’s amazing to see them become so invested in our other students. I have also felt this program to be very rewarding from the perspective of my role. In Career Services, I’m always focused on our students’ career development, and how they’re going to move through their time here. Being able to add this layer to help them get to campus and acclimate has been very rewarding for me,” said Hays.

The growth of the program and its message are clear: Morningside is a home for its students, and through the Peer Mentoring Program, it ensures they feel safe, supported, and part of a vibrant community.

“There’s no place like home,” reiterated Todd, “And Morningside is a home for four years, even for those who might not realize it yet. Ensuring these students know they are safe and okay here, is imperative.”