Queer Peer Mentors is an 9-10 week peer-to-peer mentoring program open to first-year CWRU students!
The goals of QPM are to provide emotional and social support through the transition from high school to university and to connect mentees to resources and to each other. The current pool for applications is closed at this time but please reach out to Devin Taylor (bxc553@case.edu) with any questions you may have!
The Benefits of Peer-to-Peer Mentoring
The CWRU LGBT Center has values based in intersectionality and has a drive to enhance the experience of the students and the overall CWRU community. With peer based mentoring, students have an opportunity to be understood by other students who know what they are going through. Having a peer mentor increases the intrinsic value of the mentorship, meaning students feel a greater sense of belonging.
"The Queer Peer Mentoring program is something I wish I had when I was navigating college life/adulting for the first time as a first year student. QPM allows for new connections, the understanding of CWRU as a whole and helps students see the importance of the investment in themselves. I believe that QPM is essential to kick-starting one's personal growth and is a valuable asset to their overall experience here at CWRU. As the new addition to the pro staff, one of my main goals is to build this program into what is best for the students and add more to the LGBT Center."
- Devin Taylor, Recruitment & Retention Coordinator, CWRU LGBT Center
We know that incoming students are 4 times more likely to want to stay at university if peer mentoring is offered. Without peer mentoring, at the end of semester one:
- ⅓ of students feel they haven’t adapted to university-style learning
- ½ still struggle to manage time and commitments.
- ½ do not establish friend groups
Without established friend groups, feelings of loneliness are magnified, which can lead to poor academic performance. The LGBT Center wants to make sure students are getting what they need so they can have well rounded experience here, thus; The Queer Peer Mentoring Program.
QPM Fall Orientation
When? Friday, September 8th, 2023
Time? 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Where? LGBT Center, Tinkham Veale University Building
Why? We will be meeting as one large group for introductions/socializing to start the program. Light refreshments will be provided. The program will go on for about 9-10 weeks.
QPM Ending Reception
When? Monday, November 6th, 2023
Time? 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Where? LGBT Center, Tinkham Veale University Building
Why? We will meet as a large group one more time during first semester to reflect, share thoughts, socialize to end the formal program. Food will provided.
QPM Spring
Normally, QPM only last the first semester of the school year, but this time around, there will be a few social events in the spring. The purpose of these is to bring the large group back together and have fun. There will of course be food!
Spring Dates and Times
Welcome Back
When? January 26, 2024
Time? 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Where? LGBT Center, Tinkham University Building
Why? You made it through your your first semester, so why not start off your second one with a small celebration! This will be a small get together for mentees and their mentors. There will be snacks provided!
M&M Valentine's
When? February 14, 2024
Time? 4 p.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Where? LGBT Center, Tinkham University Building
Why? Mentors and mentees can come together on Valentine's day to celebrate, its early in the evening so as not to interrupt anyone's personal plans. There will candy and refreshments!
You Made It!
When? April 19, 2024
Time? 2 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Where? LGBT Center, Tinkham University Building
Why? Making through the first year of college is something to be celebrated! Making it through another year is an accomplishment. Mentors and mentees can come together and celebrate these new accomplishments/transitions in their lives! I Yes, there will be food!