Peer Mentors

Peer Mentors (PMs) are student leaders from a wide range of backgrounds that provide mentorship, encouragement and academic support for freshman students at HPU. PMs aid new students in transitioning to college life, living on Oahu, learning about student leadership and academic opportunities, and much more! In addition, PMs connect with new students weekly to provide peer advisement, resources, and referrals to impact a new student's academic, cultural, social and personal needs.

The Peer Mentor Program is part of HPU's Center for Academic Success and works in conjunction with the office of First Year Experience to create a supportive environment to help HPU students succeed and thrive during their first year. 

WHAT DOES A PEER MENTOR DO?

A PM helps their assigned first year students by answering questions as someone who has likely experienced things from your perspective. Students who are selected to be PMs are familiar with Oahu and HPU, making them excellent resources when seeking advice on what to do if a student needs to see a doctor, is looking for tutoring or mental health counseling, or wants to know who to speak to for advising questions. They can also be a great resource for local and cultural things like where to get the best poke sushi or where to find the best beaches. Creating a connection between PM and mentee helps begin the sometimes challenging process of expanding their social network and developing relationships.

University 1000- First year Seminar

PMs will be assigned to a section of the First Year Seminar course, UNIV 1000, and mentor the students in that section of the class. The course will help new students make a positive transition to HPU by helping them adjust to academic and student life. Students will develop relationships with their classmates, faculty/staff instructor and peer mentor, to foster an inclusive and welcoming community. To make the most of their experience at HPU, students will participate in meaningful discussions, personal reflections, and engaging activities within and outside the classroom to learn more about themselves, others, HPU, and Hawai‘i.

DO YOU WANT TO BE A PEER MENTOR?

If you are passionate about providing an amazing first-year experience to freshman students, we want you to consider applying to be a Peer Mentor! A minimum 3.0 GPA is required, and you must be in good standing with the university. Applications typically open February of the Spring semester to hire for the fall.