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McNall, Laurel
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2023-05-10
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Abstract
College is often a place where students are shaped in a way that allows them to find their
true self. Oftentimes, a key influence in this process is a mentor. The relationship a student forms
with a mentor can make or break their experience at college, which is why it is necessary to
facilitate good mentoring relationships early on. In the SUNY Brockport Honors College, we
attempt to do this through the Peer Mentor Program. However, with recent factors such as the
COVID-19 pandemic and leadership changes, this program, like many others, would benefit
from an evaluation of its practices and effectiveness. To promote a better honors college
experience, I will examine the mentoring literature regarding effectiveness and the impact an
effective mentor can have on a student’s trajectory. Next, I offer strategies that work in the peer
mentoring program for Academic Planning Seminar (APS) at SUNY Brockport based on an
informational interview with the program’s director. Then, I pinpoint where it seems the Honors
peer mentor program could benefit from improvement, based on an analysis of surveys and my
own experience. Finally, I offer suggestions to the Honors College for what they can do to
practically develop the program to its fullest potential, based on the combination of literature,
surveys, interviews, and my knowledge of psychology and communication.