Four ways students mentor other students at Baylor

Baylor’s campus is known for its caring, community-oriented energy. Thus, it’s not surprising that Baylor is a place where students mentor one another through college’s highs and lows.

Regardless of your college or major, there is someone at Baylor ready to help you thrive. For instance:

The Baylor experience begins with Welcome Week, as new Bears learn to navigate campus and college life before classes start. For second-year students and beyond, being a Welcome Week leader is a chance to guide these new students through a potentially chaotic season. And beyond that first week, Welcome Mentors continue guiding new students well into the fall — meeting 1-on-1 with students from their Welcome Week group, inviting them to campus events, and providing personalized support as new Bears find their place at Baylor.

When it comes to academics, the Paul L. Foster Success Center has academic mentors ready to guide Baylor students through private, one-on-one weekly appointments. Mentors are trained on how to identify what their mentee needs, providing accountability and partnership through challenges.

Many academic area have their own methods of assistance. For instance, the Hankamer School of Business has a designated mentorship program for new business students, helping ensure academic success from the start of classes. Through the Billington Peer Leader program, upperclassmen are paired with four first-year students and meet with them in small groups throughout the semester. The program aims to provide ongoing connection, community, and conversation among students.

Beyond campus, some Baylor students also mentor younger (K-12) students. The Baylor Buddies program connects Bears with local elementary, middle and high school students in the Waco community. The goal: providing encouragement and positive role models to help local students stay engaged in their education.

Sic ’em, Baylor mentors!