Academic Programs > For Current Undergrads > AGNR Peer Mentors

What can an AGNR Peer Mentor do for Me?

Maybe a more pressing question for students in AGNR is "What in the world is a 4-year plan and how am I supposed to make one? VENUS has me bogged down; what am I doing wrong when trying to work up a class schedule?  CHEM231 is not going very well; where can I get some real help? My advisor's great when I need to talk about classes in my major, but isn't there someone who knows the ropes who can help me with a residence hall issue? Are there things I should be doing to prepare for my advising appointments?"

Those questions and more face our AGNR students every day. Freshmen and sophomores often get bogged down by procedures and policies that have become a natural part of the culture of the juniors and seniors. So what should you do?

An important resource is the College of Agriculture and Natural Resource's Peer Mentors (PMs). Now four-years old, this service offers students a chance to talk with a fellow student about everyday campus issues, advising, registration, and more. Peer Mentors are chosen from AGNR upperclassmen who have achieved good academic success while maintaining an active schedule of extracurricular activities, work, service, etc. PMs know how to manage time and get the most out of the university. And, they speak your language - PMs are one of you.

PMs can be found in 0100 Symons Hall. The current Peer Mentors are:

The PMs work with an array of advising tools including ready links to campus services and resources.  They are in a position to help deal with technical aspects of course selection, schedule building, online registration, CORE policies, general academic policies, 4-year plans and Benchmarks, and PMs will make appropriate referrals for those who need a little extra help.  They interact closely with the college's office of Academic Programs (Student Services, 0107 Symons).  Each semester, office hours are posted on the Mentor Office door and an announcement is sent to undergraduate program coordinators in each major.

The AGNR policy is that all new freshmen in the college are required to visit a Peer Mentor before being allowed to schedule their appointment with their faculty advisor. The time with the PM will be used to check 4-year plans, Benchmark progress, and Degree Navigator accuracy, as well as select a preliminary class schedule for the next term for review with their advisor.  And, all AGNR students will continue this pre-advising appointment with a PM for three more semesters!

So, why wait?  Here's an informal but efficient way to gain a little extra help - and it's free!  Stop by 0100 Symons and meet an AGNR Peer Mentor.

For more information, contact Donna Walther

Last updated: 10/18/2009