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Profile: University Studies Peer Mentor Program

Peer Mentoring for undergraduates is incorporated into the Portland State University academic model through the University Studies Peer Mentor Program which supports all incoming freshmen and sophomores

Program Description

The University Studies Peer Mentor Program, directed by CIMR faculty member, Dana Lundell, is a community of over 100 upper-division undergraduate and graduate mentors trained to provide leadership and academic support for student success. Mentor Sessions are designed to help students gain experience doing high quality academic work in small groups. Peer Mentors work directly with faculty to support students by role modeling and developing the skills needed to succeed at the university. Mentors become a community of scholars who support each other’s academic success. They also participate in professional development and leadership activities that make them some of the most highly qualified and well-prepared graduates from PSU. CIMR researchers Yves Labissiere, Dana Lundell, Alma Trinidad and Jacob Sherman are researching the University Studies model and the nature of peer mentoring relationships in collegiate settings.

>>Find out more about the University Studies Peer Mentor Program including application information

Program Model: Training Peer Mentors

Training of University Studies Peer Mentors is very rigorous. Peer mentors are recruited through a competitive process in the fall, prior to their year of service. All finalists must enroll in a four-credit Mentor Training course that is offered in the spring. The course must be completed successfully before new mentors are formally hired. Prior to the school year, mentors participate in a full-week of  training. In addition, mentors have ongoing training and leadership development opportunities throughout the year. Mentors receive scholarships and a stipend for their participation in the program.

Click here to view schematic of the peer mentor training cycle (pdf)

CIMR Researchers of the University Studies Peer Mentoring Program

Dana Lundell, Ph.D., Director of Mentor Programs, University Studies, PSU
Dana Lundell is the director of the University Studies Peer Mentoring Program. Her work focuses on leadership and development for academic mentors in higher education with special attention to underrepresented students, multicultural populations and inclusive learning environments. dlundell@pdx.edu

Yves Labissiere, Ph.D., University Studies and  School of Public Health, Urban and Community Affairs, PSU
Yves Labissiere examines "peerness" as it relates to academic mentoring for undergraduate students. labissy@pdx.edu

Alma Trinidad, Ph.D., University Studies and Child & Family Studies, School of Social Work
Alma Trinidad has investigated the role of mentors and adult allies in supporting youth working toward social justice and environmental sustainability. She is studying the tiered mentoring processes (instructor-mentor-student) in Freshman Inquiry undergraduate courses of the University Studies Program. atrinidad@pdx.edu

Jacob Sherman, M.A. Student, Graduate School of Education
Jacob Sherman is a graduate student in the Leadership for Sustainability Education program whose interests include mentoring in higher education, leadership development, and sustainability education.davidbar@pdx.edu