Peer Mentor

The EXCEL Program at Bridgewater State University (BSU) is a fully-inclusive postsecondary program for young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Students in the EXCEL program share the same experiences as BSU undergraduate students in the areas of academics, socialization, professional development, self-advocacy and independent living. The EXCEL Program offers three options for participation. With supports in place, BSU EXCEL students enroll in courses, take part in internships, socialize with peers and participate in campus clubs and activities.

EXCEL students are paired with Peer Mentors who are full-time undergraduate students at BSU. Peer Mentors help EXCEL students assimilate to college life by introducing them to friends, exploring campus, and encouraging involvement in BSU clubs and activities. By spending time with BSU Peer Mentors, EXCEL students develop friendships and feel socially connected to BSU student life.

EXCEL Peer Mentor Responsibilities (day):

• Spend at least one hour each week with Mentee
• Attend BSU activities/events with Mentee
• Help mentees become familiar with university resources (i.e. BSU library, AAC, Wellness Center, Career Services, etc.)
• Serve as a role model, exhibiting enthusiasm, motivation, and involvement
• Exercise good judgment in representing the university and upholding the BSU Student Code of Conduct
• Model appropriate social skills and behavior
• Support and encourage mentees in their development of independent living skills
• Attend and participate in scheduled orientation and training
• Participate in other EXCEL activities and events as opportunities arise
• Maintain timely and consistent correspondence with Mentee
• Maintain timely and consistent correspondence with supervisor, including attendance at monthly check-in meetings
• Submit weekly peer mentor activity logs to supervisor
• Complete an activity checklist with Mentee throughout each semester

Day Mentors requirement:
Must have availability during mid-morning/early afternoon on weekdays to accommodate meeting with your mentee for a minimum of one hourEXCEL Peer Mentor Responsibilities (Res Life/Evening):

• Day EXCEL Peer Mentor responsibilities that are listed above
• Serve during the hours of 4:00pm -10:00pm (3 hour shifts), 1-2 days per week on a rotating basis
• Check in with mentees at least once during active duty
• Initiate social interaction with each mentee, ensuring at least 1 person-to-person activity takes place per week
• Encourage mentees to attend and become involved in campus clubs and activities, facilitating involvement and attending events with mentees when appropriate
• Provide academic support to each mentee, as needed
• Act as a guide if conflicts arise, referring mentees to EXCEL RA when needed
• Maintain timely and consistent correspondence with EXCEL Coordinator and EXCEL Resident Assistant

Res Life Mentor requirement:
Must be a residential student at BSU or live within walking distance to campus.

• Must be a matriculated undergraduate student at BSU, taking at least 6 credit hours.
• Must maintain satisfactory academic progress; students on academic probation must leave position until probation has been resolved.
• Must be a full-time Sophomore, Junior or Senior BSU student
• Must have attended BSU as a full-time student for at least one previous semester
• Be in good standing with BSU – no active judicial sanctions
• Be involved in BSU’s academic and/or co-curricular programs
• Possess compassion, patience, flexibility, and motivation
• Able to set appropriate boundaries and maintain a healthy level of professionalism
• Strong organizational, written and oral communication skills
• It would be beneficial to have knowledge of or experience with disabilities
• Complete and pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)

• Must be a matriculated undergraduate student at BSU, taking at least 6 credit hours.
• Must maintain satisfactory academic progress; students on academic probation must leave position until probation has been resolved.
• Must be a full-time Sophomore, Junior or Senior BSU student
• Must have attended BSU as a full-time student for at least one previous semester
• Be in good standing with BSU – no active judicial sanctions
• Be involved in BSU’s academic and/or co-curricular programs
• Possess compassion, patience, flexibility, and motivation
• Able to set appropriate boundaries and maintain a healthy level of professionalism
• Strong organizational, written and oral communication skills
• It would be beneficial to have knowledge of or experience with disabilities
• Complete and pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)