Become a Peer Mentor with the UConn Connects Program this Spring!
UConn Connects is the University’s largest and longest-running mentoring program and is designed to provide students with the skills and support needed for academic success. For over thirty years, UConn Connects has empowered students to succeed and thrive at UConn through weekly one-on-one meetings with their mentors.
Peer Mentors earn 3-credits while enrolled in an Educational Psychology 3030 course, lead by professional program staff, where they will learn more about the best practices of a mentor and the available resources at UConn to holistically support their mentees. The learning opportunity is hands on as students will be assigned to work with up to 5 mentees during the term while enrolled in the course and participate in a discussion section led by former peer mentors who have risen up the leadership ranks.
Becoming a mentor includes 3 important steps:
1. Complete the Peer Mentor Application on the Academic Achievement Center website as soon as possible (recruitment is rolling but wraps up by finals week).
2. Sign up for a group interview via Nexus. There are dates during October, November and several in December.
3. Attend the mandatory mentor training weekend where you will kickoff the term with valuable skills, networking and inspiration from other student mentors! The dates of the training will be confirmed shortly.
"I began my junior year as a UConn Connects mentor, where I had the privilege of supporting students on academic probation, helping them build resilience and develop strategies to get back on track. Through this role, I learned so much about the importance of patience, empathy, and encouragement. As I transitioned to a mentor coach, I facilitated group work with fellow mentors, providing them with guidance and strategies to support their mentees. This experience deepened my understanding of leadership and peer mentorship, and I am so thankful for the chance to grow in this environment. Now, as an intern, I oversee operations, assisting staff and coaches across the board. The entire journey has taught me valuable lessons in teamwork, organization, and adaptability, and I feel fortunate to have had these experiences shape me into a proactive team player and a dedicated advocate for student success." - Zoe Baltrush, '25 POLS major, PP minor
Questions about becoming a mentor? Contact Valerie Jenkelunas at Valerie.jenkelunas@uconn.edu or Leo Lachut at leo.lachut@uconn.edu. Students can also drop in to the Academic Achievement Center in Rowe 217 and chat with student leaders working in the Center.
For more information, contact: Valerie Jenkelunas at Valerie.jenkelunas@uconn.edu