Mentoring program helps disabled students

Texas A&M University-Commerce will introduce the Peer Mentoring Program this semester to help link new and experienced students with disabilities to Student Disability Resources and Services.

Coordinator of Student Disability Resources and Services Leigh Ann Powell is in charge of the program.

"The idea stemmed from the success of peer mentoring programs on other campuses," she said.

The program is designed to help disabled students become familiarized with strategies and connections to resources to enable them to successfully transition into their first year at A&M-Commerce.

"I saw the need for (disabled) students new to the university to be able to gain such skills as campus navigation, and social support," Powell said. "While I currently serve as a mentor to several students, I felt like it would be beneficial for these students to be able to have a peer that they could rely on."

Marty Marsh Jacobs, a counselor from the Counseling Center, will also assist with the program.

"This is only for students with disabilities," Jacobs said. "It is sometimes difficult for students with disabilities to be their own advocate. In addition, such students can be more overwhelmed by the challenge of college than others, but are hesitant to admit this."

Areas of the program's focus will include learning to navigate the university's system through familiarization with resources for assistance, time management, organizational skills, and problem solving.

"The Peer Mentoring Program is aimed at empowering students with disabilities with life management and academic skills so they can be successful," Jacobs said. "It is hoped that the students will become more self-reliant and learn to practice self-advocacy."

There are currently eight students prepared to serve as peer mentors.

"We will most likely be accepting additional mentors as the need arises," Powell said.

Jacobs listed some qualities desirable in peer mentors.

"We want students with the ability to be a self starter, willing to commit time, who is a solid student with an outgoing personality, and has the desire to be of service to others," Jacobs said.

One of the peer mentors is optimistic about the opportunities the program will offer students.

"I am very excited to be a part of the new peer mentoring team and believe it will quickly become an excellent resource and invaluable asset to new and transfer students," junior special education major Sara St. John said. "The benefits of the program range from social to academic; experienced mentors have knowledge and understanding of the university."