Together We RISE Reaching Inclusivity for Student Excellence
Preferred Delivery
In-Person
Length of Presentation
50 minutes
Start Date
20-10-2023 12:00 PM
End Date
20-10-2023 12:50 PM
Document Type
Poster
Abstract
This presentation outlines the data-based Freshman Connection Program at Eastern Illinois University and its impact on the student leaders who serve as mentors in the program.
Description
Freshman Connection is a peer mentorship program that aims to support students during their first year on campus and develop a culture of altruism on EIU’s campus. Our program considers many potential challenges as students transition into their first year at the University. Additionally, the program aims to provide quality leadership and mentorship training to the mentors.
We strive to unite students from a wide variety of backgrounds by providing them with well-trained mentors who are equipped to provide guidance and resources as they work towards their future ambitions. Our Freshman Connection mentors are trained to offer peer support and practical resources for potential personal, relational, and academic challenges during a student’s freshman year.
All mentors partake in a one-day summer training program at Eastern Illinois University. There, they further developed their leadership and teamwork skills by attending multiple leadership modules led by a variety of guest speakers. During the comprehensive training, which takes place prior to being matched with their mentees, the mentors participate in a variety of different team-building activities to help them hone their skills as leaders and mentors. The trained mentors review a comprehensive curriculum with their group of mentees each week over a meal, providing a unique opportunity for university students to receive support while learning about college life. Throughout the school year, the mentors meet as a group once a month with their Graduate Supervisor to continue their leadership training and receive consultation. Additionally, the Graduate Supervisors meet with each mentor one on one continuously throughout the year to provide guidance and social/emotional learning. Providing leadership training through the Freshman Connection Program helps to build a sense of community for our EIU students, while simultaneously promoting a sense of altruism within the students.
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Together We RISE Reaching Inclusivity for Student Excellence
This presentation outlines the data-based Freshman Connection Program at Eastern Illinois University and its impact on the student leaders who serve as mentors in the program.
Speaker Information
Min Lee is a second-year graduate student in the Department of Counseling and Higher Education at EIU and a Graduate Supervisor for Freshman Connection.
Rebekah Magee is a second-year graduate student in the Department of Counseling and Higher Education at EIU and a Graduate Supervisor for Freshman Connection.
Menna Hendricks is a second-year graduate student in the Department of Counseling and Higher Education at EIU and a Graduate Supervisor for Freshman Connection.
Josh Noe is a first-year graduate student in the Department of Counseling and Higher Education at EIU and a Graduate Supervisor for Freshman Connection.
Jake Denney-Carlisle is a first-year graduate student in the Department of Counseling and Higher Education at EIU and a Graduate Supervisor for Freshman Connection.
Dr. Heidi Larson is a professor in the Department of Counseling and Higher Education at EIU and the Program Coordinator for Freshman Connection.