DMC PEER MENTORING PROGRAM
Campus Resources | Support Network | Holistic Wellness
Purpose
The Dowdy Multicultural Center Peer Mentoring Program is dedicated to supporting multicultural students through their first academic year. Students will learn about campus resources, establish a support network that includes students, faculty, and staff, and create goals for holistic success with the guidance of established student leaders and DMC staff. Students will be matched with student leader after registering.
History
Established in 1994, the Mentoring Program in the Multicultural Center was formed to help multicultural students persist and graduate from West Chester University. The program was implemented by Jerome (Skip) Hutson and Rochelle Peterson. At that time the Mentoring Program only consisted of two components: the mentees (first-year students) and volunteer, faculty/staff mentors. In 1996, Dr. Kendrick Mickens joined the staff and a third component was added, the peer mentor component. This addition provided a successful academic peer liaison and role model for the first-year participates, and has become integral to the success of the program.
How It Works
Mentees will be matched with a mentor for the academic year after registering for the program.
As a result of participating in the Peer Mentoring Program, mentees will be able to:
- Identify campus resources
- Identify individuals to serve as a support network
- Create goals related to their holistic wellness
Mentees must commit to attending:
- 1 hour Mentoring meetings 2 times per month
- 1 Dowdy Multicultural Center sponsored event per month
- Programs, events, and personalized appointments hosted by campus resources led by students, staff, and faculty
- Welcoming Induction event
- End of fall semester celebration
- End of year celebration
Learn More!
To learn more about our Peer Mentoring Program and events held throughout the year, you can follow us @dowdymc_wcu or stay connected with us via email at Multicultural@wcupa.edu. You can also subscribe to our newsletter and join our email list! Our platforms provide the latest updates on upcoming events, trainings, and opportunities designed to empower and support WCU students.
Mentees Benefits
Mentors and program staff will guide you to:
- Increase awareness of campus resources
- Build a support network of students, staff, and faculty
- Create goals for holistic wellness
Application Process
1. Fill out the application below.
2025-2026 Enrollment Deadline: Rolling
Become a Mentee
Peer Mentee Description
Starting at a new university is an exciting journey filled with opportunities and challenges. To support you in this transition, we invite you to join The Dowdy Multicultural Center Peer Mentoring Program for First-Year and Transfer students. This program is designed to help you connect with mentors of color who can offer guidance, support, and resources to help you thrive socially and academically at WCU.
How does it work?
You will be matched with a student leader and possibly 2 other mentees. With the guidance
of your mentor, you will attend various activities hosted by the DMC and be provided
with campus resources.
What are the activities will I do?
You are asked to participate in the following activities:
- 1 hour Mentoring meetings per week
- Attend at least 1 Dowdy Multicultural Center sponsored event per week
- Attend programs, events, and personalized appointments hosted by campus resources led by students, staff, and faculty that are provided to you by the Peer Mentoring Program
- Attend the End of year celebration
What is the time commitment?
We ask that you allocate at least 10 hours per month to the Mentoring Program for
the entirety of the academic year. The more you are able to participate the more you
will gain from the program. See above to know the monthly commitment.
How will I be matched?
Mentors can be matched two ways:
- Organically at our Mentor-Mentee Meet-Up event, where you'll have the chance to connect naturally through conversation.
- By Commonalities such as shared major, hometown, high school, or other background similarities that help create meaningful connections.
Peer Mentors Benefits
- Opportunity to impact first year students.
- Increase awareness of campus resources.
- Serve as a resource.
- Practice communication and time management skills.
- Enhance leadership and coaching skills.
Application Process
- Fill out the application below. Note: We recommend you type your answer on a separate document and paste your answers
- Upload resume and cover letter within the application. Interview may be requested.
2025-2026 Application Deadline: Friday, September 5, 2025
Peer Mentor Description
Paid 10 Hour Weekly Commitment:
The following will be accomplished during Mentors weekly commitment:
- Mentee Meetings
- Completing Office Hours
- Fostering Campus Engagement
Must be available for virtual training and in-person monthly mentor developments days.
Eligibility:
- Credits: Earned 24 credits or more by the time application is submitted.
- Academic Standing: Must be in good academic standing at WCU. Must have a minimum of a 2.75 cumulative grade point average (GPA) when applying and must maintain this GPA or better. Failure to maintain the GPA requirements will result in probation or termination of the Peer Mentor position.
- Leadership: Must have prior leadership experience and/or engaged in leadership activities on-campus/off-campus (community service, campus involvement, conference attendance, etc.).
- Student Conduct: Applicants who have any student conduct sanctions (or incomplete sanctions) will not be considered.
- Hours: Must be available for 40 hours per month.
- Attend Peer Mentor Training dates.
Expectations:
- Commit to Fall and Spring semesters (one academic year).
- All reports and deadlines should be met in a timely manner.
- Peer Mentors will be evaluated twice in the Fall semester and twice in the Spring semester to determine continued status.
- Abide by all local, state, and federal laws, as well as all University rules and regulations.