The purpose of the Peer mentoring program is to help incoming students adjust to life at University of West Georgia and the Honors experience by enhancing group support and community within the Honors College.  

Peer mentors are current upper division students in the Honors College that work with groups of 5-10 newly admitted Honors College students throughout the academic year.

In addition to small group meetings and events determined by the mentor/mentee groups, the Peer Mentors also work with the Honors Council, the student governing body of the Honors College to plan several large-scale meetings and community engagement events and help facilitate student involvement in these activities.

Peer MentoringObjectives, Details, and Application

Peer Mentoring Objectives

  • To enhance group support and community within the Honors College
  • To assist new students with transition to UWG
  • To encourage mutually beneficial, positive and lasting relationships between students
  • To provide peer mentors with opportunities for developing skills in leadership, group facilitation, communication and event-planning
  • To enhance mentees’ abilities to interact comfortably with people and groups from diverse backgrounds

Peer Mentor Details

Being a Peer Mentor is a great opportunity for upper division students to serve the Honors College community. Students serving as mentors will receive community engagement hours for their volunteer service. As such, peer mentors are expected to meet the following requirements:

  • Participate in a mandatory ½ day training session that will take place at the end of Spring Semester and a refresher training at the beginning of Fall Semester
  • Provide a picture and bio to be posted on the Honors College Website
  • Introduce yourself to your mentees prior to Fall Semester
  • Attend the Welcome Activities and Honors College Cookout before Fall classes begin to meet your mentees
  • Meet with mentees as a group at least 3 times each semester and help facilitate student involvement in and the planning of Honors College/Honors Council community engagement and social events
  • Maintain an open line of communication throughout the semester with mentees
  • Remind students about upcoming events and encourage students to attend programs sponsored by the Honors College and/or Honors Council
  • Refer students to campus resources
  • Log all contact dates you have with your mentees using the student contact form
  • Meet with the Honors College Advisor once a month before or after the designated Monday Night Honors events.
  • Attend Monday Night Honors events at 5pm; plan at least one Popcorn and Conversation series topic with Mentoring Group

Peer Mentor Application

All applicants must have completed at least 30 credit hours and be in good academic standing in the Honors College to be considered for the positions of Peer Mentor.  If you are unsure of your Honors College Standing, please email honors@westga.edu.  

We are now accepting applications for Peer Mentors for the 2025-2026 Academic year.  To apply, click here.  The application deadline is April 1st.

What is the time commitment?

  • The Honors College requires peer mentors to take part in a mandatory training in the summer, Honors Orientation in August, and monthly training sessions throughout the year. Mentors are expected to hold meetings with mentees at least 3 times per semester and attend Honors College programming regularly.

How often do I contact my mentees?  

  • Mentors need to contact mentees on a regular basis, preferably bi-weekly. However, mentors are encouraged to refrain from overwhelming their mentees by contacting them too often.  

Can I collaborate with another mentor group?  

  • Yes! Collaboration is encouraged, but both mentors and mentees need to consent to the collaboration prior to the meeting and plan accordingly.

My mentee isn’t responding, what do I do?  

  • Mentors should allow a reasonable amount of time for the mentee to respond to any communication (about a week). If a mentee is not attending meetings or responding to outreach messages for the first half of the semester, reach out to the Director of the Honors College for assistance.

Who do I contact if there is an issue with a mentee?  

  • Mentors are encouraged to communicate in a healthy and respectful manner with all members of the campus community. However, if problems cannot be resolved within the partnership, mentors should notify Ms. Blair Watkins, Director of the Honors College, immediately.

Are transfer students permitted to be mentors?

  • Yes! Transfer students can be mentors after their first year.

Can you be a peer mentor more than once?  

  • Yes! Peer mentors in good status are encouraged to return as mentors.  

Leadership Skills

  • Being a  peer mentor helps you develop leadership skills by guiding others. You learn to inspire, organize events and group activities, and take responsibility in a collaborative setting.

Communication Skills

  • Mentoring improves your ability to clearly express ideas, listen actively, and adapt your communication style to different people. You gain confidence presenting information and facilitating group discussions.

Time Management

  • Balancing mentoring responsibilities with your own coursework strengthens your time management and organizational skills. You also reinforce effective study habits by helping others learn.

Stronger Connections with Professors

  • Mentoring helps build meaningful relationships with professors and opens doors to new opportunities. These connections can support your career and goals well beyond graduation.

Peer Mentees

Students are assigned to mentoring groups with students with similar majors or majors within the same college.

Once paired, students will be provided with the name of their mentor.  Before arriving on campus, students will receive an introduction email from their mentor and will have an opportunity to meet with their mentor at the Honors College Cookout before classes begin in August.

Throughout the academic year, there will be many opportunities for students to engage with their mentoring group through small group meetings and other Honors College meetings and events.  We hope this program will allow students the opportunity to ask questions, meet new friends, get involved, build connections, and start to become part of the Honors College community of scholars.   

 

How will I be selected into a group or assigned as a mentor?  

  • Mentees are generally assigned mentors based on their majors. However, the mentor’s major may not always completely align with your program of study. The mentor will still be knowledgeable about UWG’s campus resources and can direct you to the right place.

How can an Honors College mentor support me throughout my first year at UWG?  

  • A peer mentor supports the transition to the Honors College and UWG life, providing resources to help mentees succeed. Since your mentor is also a student, they can draw from their own personal experiences that can help with the transition of your first year at UWG.

What happens if I change my major?  

  • The mentee will remain with their original assigned mentor.  

How many meetings do I have to attend?  

  • Mentees are required to meet with peer mentors for the required amount per the Honors College Peer Mentor Program expectations. These meetings do not count towards the required events for Academic or Career Enrichment. Please refer to the Honors College Handbook for more information.

Do mentor meetings count as Honors College events? 

  • No, each student still must attend Honors College approved events outside of peer mentoring sessions to fulfill the semesterly requirements. Please refer to the UWG Honors College Handbook for more details.

How will meetings be scheduled?  

  • Mentors and mentees will discuss the best meeting times for everyone’s schedules.  

What happens if I can’t make a meeting? 

  • Be sure to let your mentor know as soon as possible. They might be able to arrange another meeting with you.

How many meetings will take place each semester? 

  • Your mentor will schedule at least 3 meetings in accordance with the Honors College Peer Mentor Program expectations. Please view the Honors College Handbook for the current requirements, and check with your peer mentor to ensure you are updated on the meeting schedule.

What are resources for first-year students? 

Are Honors College mentees only first-year students?  

  • Mentees are typically first-year students. After the first year, mentees will be assigned an Honors faculty mentor to consult and regularly meet with.
     

Improved Academic Success

  • Students with peer mentors typically earn better grades in the first semester compared to those without mentors.

Increased Sense of Belonging

  • Peer mentors help students feel more connected to their classmates, instructors, and the broader university community.

Emotional Support

  • Peer mentors are also students, so they tend to be more approachable, making it easier to seek advice and emotional support.

Higher Persistance

  • Students with peer mentors are more likely to continue their studies, with even stronger impacts for first-generation students.

 

Peer Mentoring Leaders

Peer Mentoring Groups 2025-2026  
Peer MentorPeer Mentor Bio

Dennasia

Dennasia Bellamy,
Biology

Hi! I'm Dennasia and I'm excited to be your mentor throughout your journey at west Ga! I'm a Biology major with a concentration in environmental science interested in being a wildlife biologist. Some of my hobbies include reading, theatre, and dance and I'm excited to get to know more about y'all!

Genesis

Genesis Briceno,
Biology

Hi! My name is Genesis, and I am majoring in Biology. In addition to serving as a peer mentor for the Honors College, I also work as a peer tutor and peer academic coach in the Center for Academic Success at UWG. If you need resources or have any questions or concerns about college, please don't hesitate to reach out! I am looking forward to assisting all new incoming students with their transition to the university and the Honors College!

Madison

Madison Brooks,
Speech-Language Pathology

Hello, my name is Madison. I am a senior majoring in Speech-Language Pathology and a student in the Honors College. I currently serve as the Vice President of NSSLHA and the Treasurer of the ASL Club, in addition to being involved in research. I am very excited to meet you all and to serve as your Honors College mentor!

Moriah

Moriah Burns,
Biology

Hi! My name is Moriah Burns, and I’m currently a sophomore Biology major with a minor in History at the University of West Georgia. I’m also a second-year student in the Honors College. I’m really looking forward to getting to know each of my mentees and supporting you throughout your journey!

Terra

Terra Corson,
Psychology

Hey guys! My name is Terra and I’m a junior at UWG majoring in Psychology and minoring in Gender and Sexuality Studies. After graduation I plan on getting my Masters in Social Work and working in the foster care system. I’ve been part of the Honors College since my first semester freshman year and have loved every minute of it! This will be my second year as a peer mentor and I’m super excited for it! I look forward to meeting you guys soon!

Tawni

Tawni Davis,
Biology

Hi, I’m Tawni Davis! I’m a rising sophomore majoring in Biology, and this is my second year in the Honors College. I’ve really enjoyed being part of a community that values curiosity, hard work, and meaningful conversation. I’m excited to continue growing, learning, and connecting with others through the Honors College this year.

Gabrielle

Gabrielle Gruber,
Criminology

Hi, I am Gabrielle (Gaby) Gruber and I am majoring in Criminology with a minor in Psychology. This is my second year at West Georgia. I have loved being a part of the Honors College this past year, it has helped me do more than just go to class and has helped me meet new people. I am excited to work with new Honors College students and help them with the transition to UWG.

Dominique

Dominique Guinn,
Psychology

My name is Dominique Guinn, and I am a sophomore here at UWG. I am from Conyers, GA and I major in Psychology with a minor in Criminology and Real Estate. I am also apart of Student Government Association here at UWG. This is my first year serving with the UWG’s Honors college council, and I am very excited to make a positive impact for all students!!!

Amber

Amber Horton,
Psychology

My name is Amber Horton, and I am from Dawsonville, Georgia. I am a sophomore majoring in Psychology with the plan to become a Pediatric Neuropsychologist. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, reading, and taking my dog to the park.

Emma

Emma Huddlestun,
Psychology & Biology

My name is Emma Huddlestun and I am a junior at UWG! I am double majoring in Psychology and Biology and plan on becoming a Neuropsychologist. I love hiking, painting, writing, and listening to music. I am very excited to be a peer mentor this year!

Elora

Elora Kennard,
Psychology

Hey! My name is Elora Kennard, I am a Psychology major with a minor in Criminology here at the university of west georgia! I currently serve as the vice president of the honors council and I am so excited to be a peer mentor! One of my favorite parts about being in the honors college has been the incredible people I have met and the relationships I have built. I cannot wait to help the incoming freshman to find their place here at west georgia and within the honors college!

Eliana

Eliana Mateus,
Nursing

My name is Eliana Mateus and I'm a major in Nursing. Choosing this path has been a life-changing decision for me, as I'm passionate about caring for others and making a meaningful impact in people's lives. I truly believe that nursing will not only shape my future but also help me grow into a more compassionate, knowledgeable, and resilient person. I'm excited for the opportunity to be a peer mentor for the Honors College. I look forward to supporting and connecting with fellow students, sharing experiences, and growing together in this community.

Hannah

Hannah Neptune,
Speech Pathology

Hey! My name is Hannah Neptune and I’m majoring in Speech Pathology. I’m entering my junior year at the University of West Georgia. I love being a part of the Honors College and I am even more excited to be your Peer Mentor this year! The Honors College has helped support my college journey and brought me the most wonderful friends and I know it will bring you the same joy as well. Go Wolves! 

Lindsey

Lindsey Nesbitt,
Physics

Hey! My name is Lindsey Nesbitt, and I am a Physics major entering my sophomore year at the University of West Georgia. I have been a part of the honors college since my freshman year, with this wonderful program being an anchor for transition to college. Allowing one to find lifelong friends and mentors to help along the way during this important period of life.  I’m excited to mentor the next generation of wolves in the Honors program. I hope that I will be a great help to my mentees! Go West! Go Wolves!

Favour

Favour Osuzoka,
Accounting

Hi! I’m Favour Osuzoka, a sophomore from Nigeria majoring in Accounting with a minor in Marketing. I’m so excited to welcome you to UWG and help make your college journey fun and stress-free! Being in the Honors College has given me amazing experiences and lifelong friends, and I’d love to help you find that too. I’m always here to spread positivity, answer your questions, and help make campus feel like home. College can be a big transition, but you don’t have to go through it alone. I’m cheering you on every step of the way!

Amelia

Amelia Shelton,
Anthropology & Sociology

Hi! My name is Amelia Shelton, and I am studying Anthropology with a double major in Sociology. I’m in my sophomore year here at UWG and I’m so excited to peer mentor with the Honors College! Being in the honors program my freshman year was an amazing experience and how I met most of my friends on campus, so I hope I can help incoming students have a fulfilling first year as well!

Kayla

Kayla Snyder, 
Elementary Education

Hello everyone! My name is Kayla Snyder and my major is Elementary Education! This will be my second year at the University of West Georgia, and I am so excited to have this opportunity to be a peer mentor. The Honors College has given me so many opportunities and allowed me to truly make the most out of my college experience. It has allowed me to create unforgettable memories and lifelong friends. I can't wait to help incoming wolves make their mark on campus and show my support during this transformative period of their lives. I'm always here to help, so feel free to reach out!

Kaleigh

Kaleigh Solis Wilson,
English

Hello! My name is Kaleigh Solis Wilson. I am studying English and minoring in Enterprise Systems and Data Analytics. Congratulations on being accepted into the Honors College program! I look forward to being your person to call on when you have any questions or concerns regarding the Honors College or UWG in general. May your transition into college be a smooth one and God bless!