Campus Resources | Support Network | Holistic Wellness
Purpose
The Dowdy Multicultural Center Peer Mentoring Program is dedicated to supporting WCU
Students of Color (Asian American, Black/African American, Desi American, Latinx,
Mixed heritage, Native American/Indigenous, Pacific Islander) through their first
academic year. Students of Color will learn about campus resources, establish a support
network that includes students, faculty, and staff, and create goals for holistic
success with the guidance of established student leaders and DMC staff. Students will
be matched with student leader after registering.
History
Established in 1994, the Mentoring Program in the Multicultural Center was formed
to help Students of Color persist and graduate from West Chester University. The program
was implemented by Jerome (Skip) Hutson and Rochelle Peterson. At that time the Mentoring
Program only consisted of two components: the mentees (first-year students) and volunteer,
faculty/staff mentors. In 1996, Dr. Kendrick Mickens joined the staff and a third
component was added, the peer mentor component. This addition provided a successful
academic peer liaison and role model for the first-year participates, and has become
integral to the success of the program.
How It Works
Mentees will be matched with a mentor for the academic year after registering for
the program.
As a result of participating in the Peer Mentoring Program, mentees will be able to:
Identify campus resources
Identify individuals to serve as a support network
Create goals related to their holistic wellness
Mentees must commit to attending:
1 hour Mentoring meetings 2 times per month
1 Dowdy Multicultural Center sponsored event per month
Programs, events, and personalized appointments hosted by campus resources led by
students, staff, and faculty
Welcoming Induction event
End of fall semester celebration
End of year celebration
Learn More!
To learn more about our Peer Mentoring Program and events held throughout the year,
you can follow us @dowdymc_wcu or stay connected with us via email at Multicultural@wcupa.edu. You can also subscribe to our newsletter and join our email list! Our platforms provide the latest updates on upcoming events, trainings, and opportunities
designed to empower and support WCU students.
Mentees Benefits
Mentors and program staff will guide you to:
Increase awareness of campus resources
Build a support network of students, staff, and faculty
Create goals for holistic wellness
Application Process
1. Fill out the application below. Note: Those who enroll will need to attend an information session and choose their desired
level of participation in the program.
2024-2025 Enrollment Deadline: Sunday, September 15, 2024
Starting at a new university is an exciting journey filled with opportunities and
challenges. To support you in this transition, we invite you to join The Dowdy Multicultural
Center Peer Mentoring Program for First-Year and Transfer Students of Color. This
program is designed to help you connect with mentors of color who can offer guidance,
support, and resources to help you thrive socially and academically at WCU.
How It Works: There are 2 levels for the Peer Mentoring Program.
GOLD LEVEL: You will be matched with a student leader and 2 other mentees. With the guidance
of your mentor, you will attend various activities hosted by the DMC and campus resources.
PURPLE LEVEL: You will participate in programs only hosted by the Peer Mentoring Program. You will
have the opportunity to meet student leaders at the programs, but you will not receive
individual guidance.
Time Commitment: We ask that you allocate at least 4-5 hours per month to the Mentoring Program for
the entirety of the academic year. The more you are able to participate the more you
will gain from the program.
Peer Mentors Benefits
Opportunity to impact first year Students of Color.
Increase awareness of campus resources.
Serve as a resource.
Practice communication and time management skills.
Enhance leadership and coaching skills.
Application Process
Fill out the application below. Note: We recommend you type your answer on a separate
document and paste your answers
Upload resume and cover letter within the application. Interview may be requested.
2024-2025 Application Deadline: Friday, September 6, 2024
Peer Mentor Description
Paid 10 Hour Weekly Commitment: The following will be accomplished during Mentors weekly commitment:
Mentee Meetings
Completing Office Hours
Fostering Campus Engagement
Must be available for virtual training and in-person monthly mentor developments days.
Eligibility:
Credits: Earned 24 credits or more by the time application is submitted.
Academic Standing: Must be in good academic standing at WCU. Must have a minimum of
a 2.75 cumulative grade point average (GPA) when applying and must maintain this GPA
or better. Failure to maintain the GPA requirements will result in probation or termination
of the Peer Mentor position.
Leadership: Must have prior leadership experience and/or engaged in leadership activities
on-campus/off-campus (community service, campus involvement, conference attendance,
etc.).
Student Conduct: Applicants who have any student conduct sanctions (or incomplete
sanctions) will not be considered.
Hours: Must be available for 40 hours per month.
Attend Peer Mentor Training dates.
Expectations:
Commit to Fall and Spring semesters (one academic year).
All reports and deadlines should be met in a timely manner.
Peer Mentors will be evaluated twice in the Fall semester and twice in the Spring
semester to determine continued status.
Abide by all local, state, and federal laws, as well as all University rules and regulations.
Peer Mentor Biographies
2022-2023
Alexis Acey
Year: 4th year Major: Accelerated BS Geography: GIS Track Involvements: Geography & Planning Club Secretary Interests: Outdoor Enthusiast, Skincare Junkie, & Kpop Fan
Andrew Franz
Year: 2nd year Major: Business Management Involvements: Photography Assistant, Thrift Volunteer Work, Self Employed Interests: Sports, Anime, Collecting artifacts
Student Assistants
Damaris Silva-Lopez
Year: 3rd year Major: Cell and Molecular Biology major on Pre-PA track Minor: Civic and Professional Leadership Involvements: Fundraising Chair for Pre-Medical Student Association,Honors Student Association,
Nursing Assistant at Chester County Hospital Interests: Reading, Walks, Coffee dates
Fatiah Adegbite
Year: 2nd year Major: Psychology Involvements: Photography Club, Golden Ram society, West Chester Foundation work study Interests: Running, Hanging with friends and family
Gianna Sands
Year: 2nd year Major: Psychology Involvements: Red robin Togo specialist, In creative writing club, Spin class Interests: Making tik toks, Watching netflix, Hanging with friends
Jared Haynes
Year: 2nd year Major: Undecided Minor: Undecided Involvements: Dowdy Multicultural Center, BSU, Psychology Club Interests: Exercising, Joining clubs, Volunteer work
Kaila Summers
Year: 4th year Major: Psychology Minor: Entrepreneurship Involvements: Sisters United, D.R.E.A.M. Team, Precise Fashion Organization Interests: Exercising, Trying new food, Reading
Khadejah Holmes
Year: 3rd year Major: Psychology Minor: Elementary Education Involvements: Alpha Phi Omega, Psychology Club, RamCorps ambassador, YMCA summer camp counselor Interests: Traveling, Reading, Volunteering, Hanging out with friends and family
Kimberly West
Year: 3rd year Major: Marketing Involvements: Lenscrafters sales associate, digital marketing internship experience Interests: Music, Watching documentaries, Art
Lizeth Mercado Salinas
Year: 5th year Major: Criminal Justice Minor: Women and Gender Studies Involvements: National Alliance on Mental Illness Member, Longwood Gardens Employee, and an Occasional
Babysitter Interests: True Crime, Making jewelry, Reading
Mya Humphries
Year: 4th year Major: Political Science Minor: Media and Culture Involvements: Manager, Volunteer Interests: Reality TV, Exploring
Shanyia Morris
Year: 3rd year Major: Psychology Minor: Criminal Justice Involvements: Psychology club, CESW Tech Center Assistant, YMCA summer camp counselor Interests: Watching movies, Learning languages, Reading, Volunteering, Watching tv shows
Shelby Lewis
Year: 3rd year Major: English Minor: Journalism, Digital Humanities and New Media Involvements: National Association for Black Journalists, POESIS, CTQA Peer Educator Interests: Horror movies, Comic books, Pop culture
Sierra Friday
Year: 4th year Major: Accelerated BS Geography: GIS Track Involvements: Geography & Planning Club Secretary Interests: Outdoor Enthusiast, Skincare Junkie, & Kpop Fan
Trinity Stephens
Year: 4th year Major: Integrative Biology Involvements: Peer mentoring program Interests: Watching Netflix, Listening to music & hanging with friends