To help incoming Honors students adjust to life at the University of South Carolina and the Honors experience by providing group support and community within the Honors College. The Honors Peer Mentor Program is most beneficial for students in search of additional community, resources and support.

1. To connect new incoming Honors students in their transition to USC and the South Carolina Honors College
2. To provide meaningful and authentic partnerships between Honors students
3. To provide a space for students to process their college experiences
4. To connect students with campus resources
5. To provide upperclassmen with opportunities for developing leadership skills

• Learn from the experiences of others
• Increase your social and academic confidence
• Become more empowered to make decisions
• Develop strategies for dealing with both personal and academic issues
• Identify goals and establish a sense of direction

• Respond to their mentor’s communications and check-ins
• Reach out to their mentor when guidance is needed
• Meet with their mentor once per month
• Attend 3+ events during the academic year 
• Communicate any concerns with the Mentee Logistics Coordinator
• Complete the program survey

• Mentee application opens Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024
• Mentee application closes Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024
• Mentee/Mentor matches shared by Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024

• Is the program free? Yes!
• Is this program required for all incoming first-year students? No, joining is not mandatory. We encourage students seeking additional community and support to apply.
• When is the best time to sign up for the program? Incoming students are encouraged to apply in early/mid September of their first semester. 
• When do I find out who my Mentor is? Matches will be made and shared by Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024.

Gain a fulfilling experience
Your guidance can make an enormous difference in the lives of new students, who may otherwise feel lost, isolated, and stressed during their transition to university life. You get to share what you’ve learned during your time at USC and be there for someone who will certainly appreciate it. 

Boost leadership and relationship skills
Peer Mentors will encounter a variety of new situations, allowing them to utilize and enhance leadership and relationship skills. Having a mentor/mentee relationship will improve your capacity to be compassionate, confident, make sound decisions, and listen to others. 

Improve career profile
Your role as a Peer Mentor will add valuable experience to your resume and provide opportunities to demonstrate your adaptability, resourcefulness, and passion for helping others.

Meet new people
Mentees aren't the only ones gaining new friends in the Peer Mentor Program. Peer Mentors often befriend their Mentees, other Mentors, and other Mentees during the various events and volunteer activities hosted by the Peer Mentor Program. The Honors Peer Mentor Program isn’t just a school activity; it’s a place where students connect and become life-long friends.

• Attend 3+ trainings
• Attend 3+ events throughout the academic year
• Demonstrate an ability to support mentee(s) with appropriate campus and community resources and an approachable and respectful character  
• Communicate with mentee(s) bimonthly, with additional check-ins during advising, midterms, and finals
• Meet with Mentee(s) once per month
• Communicate any concerns with the Mentor Logistics Coordinator
• Uphold the Carolinian Creed and maintain good academic standing within the South Carolina Honors College 
• Complete a program survey

• Must be a currently enrolled full-time student who will have completed at least 30 USC credit hours at the end of the current academic year