The following programs provide peer mentors for prospective students. Contact these students to get an insider's view of what it's like to study at Columbus State. Learn what it takes to get admitted, then thrive in our programs!

Note: Please read the Peer Mentoring terms of service before contacting a peer mentor.

The purpose of the Advising Services Peer Mentor Initiative is to provide you with an
opportunity to receive peer mentoring from students in your program of choice.
Peer Mentors have outstanding academic records, and many serve in student leadership roles elsewhere on campus. Your Peer Mentor will help you get to know Columbus State better—its offices, programs, and resources. Although flexible in structure, the relationship between Peer Mentor and you is a formal one. The role of your Peer Mentor is to serve, at all times, as a responsible student resource for you. Your role is to utilize the resources of the Peer Mentor Initiative in a responsible and respectful way. Please remember that your Peer Mentor is a fellow student with a demanding academic schedule.

Structure

Peer mentors will be listed by major and students will be able to select a peer mentor. Your Peer Mentor will assist you in finding resources at Columbus State to help you with both general issues such as time management and study skills, as well as with issues
specific to your program (major). The Peer Mentor will help you access the many resources and advising options on campus.

A Peer Mentor is not your advisor; s/he does not have the expertise of professional advisors, faculty members, academic Program Directors, Deans, and Academic Chairpersons

Specifics

1. The role of the Peer Mentor is to help you find appropriate resources for
   answering your questions and addressing your concerns.
2. Communications with Peer Mentors will occur via e-mail. Your peer mentor is responsible in replying within 3 business days.
3. Peer Mentors are only one resource among many at CSCC
4. You and your Peer Mentor are encouraged tol keep a log of your questions and concerns.
5. The Peer Mentor program’s professional Advisor is Sandra Downing if there are any questions, comments, or concerns that mentor or student need additional assistance please contact Sandra at sdowning@cscc.edu or 614 287-3619.

Resources

One of the most common problems new students experience is how to manage their time well. College is very different from high school, and you will have to learn how to study differently. This is a normal part of the learning process!

With regard to time-management and study skills, you should make sure to utilize the ERC (Education Resource Center), tutoring, and other options on campus such as the Writing Center. You should also plan to integrate faculty office hours as well as any study groups associated with your courses as part of your academic routine.

You should also set aside time each week for reviewing the material in each of your courses. Although this involves a relatively small time commitment each week, it can make a substantial difference in your mastery of course material over the quarter. You may feel that support such as the ERC, faculty office hours, etc. is unnecessary; however, keep in mind that you are assuming new academic challenges, learning new subject matter and academic methodologies, and new ways of learning.

You will also experience different methods of teaching than you did in high school. Maximizing your academic support system early on at CSCC will give you valuable tools that will help you in all your courses both now and in future years. Finally, addressing problems and challenges sooner rather than later will help you maintain a strong GPA.

Sometimes first-year students are reluctant to utilize faculty office hours or feel shy about approaching faculty members. Instructor office hours are an incredibly valuable way to get individualized attention regarding your specific questions. When teaching a course, a faculty member must teach to a class of diverse individuals. Meeting with faculty members in office hours allows you and the faculty member to talk about your particular learning process.

Finally, remember that faculty members, not Peer Mentors, are the credentialed experts in their academic fields.

Summary

• Your Peer Mentor is not your advisor but a fellow student with a strong academic background who can help you find resources on campus as well as help facilitate your transition to college life.
• Your Peer Mentor cannot replace the expertise of faculty members, professional advisors, Program Directors, Deans, and Department Chairpersons
• Your Peer Mentor will assist you in finding resources at CSCC to help you with both general issues, as well as with issues specific to your program
• You should plan to communicate with your Peer Mentor via e-mail as needed.
• You should not rely on your Peer Mentor for every question or concern; utilize your time with your Peer Mentor appropriately as a fellow student.
• Keep a log of the questions and issues you have addressed together.

If you encounter difficulties and/or any other need contact Sandra Downing at sdowning@cscc.edu or 614-287-3619

BE SURE TO KEEP A COPY OF ALL MATERIALS FOR YOUR RECORDS.