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Please direct questions and comments to gnsc@seattleu.edu

Seattle University Science & Engineering
Peer Mentoring Program

Peer Mentors 2009-10 
First Row (L to R):  Cara Southworth, Shannon Nakamine;
Second Row (L to R):  Nicole Suleiman, Alec Adams, Carrie Pillers

Introduction and program history

The General Science department at Seattle University has advising oversight of about 100 undergraduates, including 40 “pre-science” (major undeclared) students.  Pre-science students are assigned to academic advisors within S&E; however they do not have the advantage of joining a major cohort at the beginning of their SU academic experience.  A primary goal of pre-science peer mentoring, then, is to provide a “friendly contact” who is familiar with the science programs.  Peer mentors are recruited from all majors across S&E, and have modest resources to host group socials and one-on-one coffee breaks.  The purpose of this peer mentoring initiative is not to replace faculty and staff academic advisors; rather it is to assist new students in their acculturation to Seattle University and to a science major. The program was initially designed to target pre-degree students; however the model also extends to first-year students with a declared major.

The concept of a peer mentoring program in S&E was formulated during the 2005-2006 school year.  Development and recruiting of the initial team of mentors began in March 2008, and the program launched with 5 mentors and about 35 first-year students (majoring in General Science, Environmental Science, and pre-science) in September 2008. 

Program goals

Our goals for 2009 are to build on the knowledge and successes of the pilot year, to improve publicity of the program around the College, and to determine more effective mechanisms for relationship-building between the mentors and the first-year students.  After the 2009-2010 academic year, it is hoped that the program will expand to include mentoring new students in S&E programs beyond the General Science department.

For more information:
Peer Mentor Program Brochure
                          or
Dr. Jen Sorensen, Director of General Science
sorensj1@seattleu.edu
206-296-5411