Early Bird

The Peer Mentoring Program redesigned

Learn about the changes and how you can get involved.

By Camelia Naranjo

September 1, 2020

The Peer Mentoring Program has been a part of Metropolitan State University of Denver’s commitment to peer-to-peer support since 2018. Last year, Peer Mentors engaged with more than 2,000 students through emails, phone calls, events and one-on-one meetings, helping those students retain at an above-average rate of 78%. These services are now available virtually through Microsoft Teams, emails, calling campaigns and social media.

This year, the Peer Mentoring Program is offering even more individualized support to students based on their class standing.

• First-Year Peer Mentors will serve first-year, first-time-to-college students who have completed up to 30 credit hours and are just beginning their undergraduate journey.
• Second-Year Peer Mentors will serve students within the 30-60-credit-hour range through programming that supports continued exploration and growth.
• Continuing Peer Mentors will serve students who have completed 60 or more credit hours by connecting them with internships and career-readiness skills, working closely with the C2 Hub’s Industry Navigators.

How to get involved

• Encourage students to connect with their Peer Mentors. The program offers one-on-one emotional and social support as well as study tips, career-planning assistance and organizational strategies. Students receive an email welcome from their Peer Mentor at the beginning of the semester, and they also can email RoadwaysPeerMentoring@msudenver.edu for assistance.
• Volunteer for the Faculty Coffee Talk Series. The program hosts faculty members who are interested in connecting with students by discussing their career paths and sharing advice for academic success. Contact Camelia Naranjo, assistant director of Peer Mentoring, at cnaranj2@msudenver.edu to get involved.
• Request a class presentation from the C2 Hub by filling out this short survey.
• Share announcements. Peer Mentors will send a video to asynchronous classes or visit synchronous classes to give a brief announcement about Peer Mentoring, upcoming events and important deadlines.
• Encourage attendance at Peer Mentor events or stop by yourself. The program’s Professional Development Series will focus on public speaking, job and internship search strategies, interviewing strategies and LinkedIn basics. Other events include Study Breaks, Mental Health During COVID-19 and the Sophomore Welcome.
• Check out the program’s new website, which will launch in mid-September.
• Encourage students to follow @msudenverpeermentors on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date, win prizes and follow along with fun activities.
• Collaborate! If you would like Peer Mentors to attend or support your event, contact Rebecca Hefty, community-support lead.

Please email Naranjo with additional program questions.