Peer Mentoring Program

Rocket ship logo with text reading Supporting Peer Academic Commitment and Excellence

Join our Peer Mentoring Program! 

SPACE: Supporting Peer Academic Commitment and Excellence

Want to make some new friends and have some fun? Apply to be part of our departmental mentoring program!

We are looking for exceptional senior and junior psychology majors as mentors and new (first year) psychology majors as mentees. Research has shown that positive social networks and academic connections increase student retention and student success.

Be a part of a wonderful program and have some fun!
Learn things about campus that you never knew!
Build your resume!

To apply to be a peer mentor, please complete the application here.   Students who register for Psych 103: Navigating Psychology during summer NSOT registration will be invited to join the program as mentees.

Requirements

Beginning Fall 2024, SPACE will be offered as an additional component to a new 1 credit class: Navigating Psychology (Psych 103) which will be open to incoming (first year) psychology majors.  This course will introduce students to the requirements, opportunities, and potential career paths of the Psychology major to help them make the most of their time at UMass.  All enrolled students will have the option to sign up for an additional 1 credit SPACE mentorship experience.  Mentors will function both as teaching assistants for Psych 103 and mentors to a small group of students.

Mentors will register for a 1 credit TA position (Psych 398A) and a 1 credit SPACE mentorship course (PSYCH 298SP).
Mentees will register for Psych 103 (1 credit) and a 1 credit SPACE mentorship course (PSYCH 298SP)

Weekly expectations:

  • Attend Psych 103: Navigating Psychology (Fall 2024: Fridays 11:15-12:05)
  • Spend 2-3 hours per week doing activities within your mentor/mentee, including small group and one-on-one activities
  • Submit brief reports on your activities through Canvas

Example Activities

  • Library Scavenger Hunt
  • Exploring Campus Resources 
  • Campus Selfie Challenge
  • Student Presentations
  • Campus Center and Student Union Challenge
  • Faculty and Graduate Student Panels

If you have any questions, please contact Amanda Hamel at afhamel@umass.edu or Lori Astheimer at lastheim@umass.edu