First-Generation Students

A Geneseo 1st Gen Peer Mentor is a 1st gen student that understands and embodies the strengths and resilience of being a 1st gen student within the context of the Geneseo Honors College experience.  They understand how various aspects of being 1st gen can impact a student’s experience and journey through college, especially within the first year.  Mentors serve as role models and guides, seeking to help mentees find connections and a sense of belonging.  Equally important is the goal of assisting mentees in navigating the many systems, supports and structures that are part of the college environment.  Mentors are expected to be examples of integrity, responsibility, positive communication, and empathy.  Mentors will participate in training during the Summer and will be expected to initiate communication with their assigned mentors prior to the 1st Gen Pre-Orientation program in August.

• Must be a 1st Gen student (neither parent graduated from a 4 year college or university).
• Must be a registered student in the semester the application is being submitted and will be considered a Sophomore, Junior, or Senior for the following academic year.  Will be registered in both the Fall and Spring semesters of that year.
• Minimum GPA 2.75 and in good academic standing at the end of the Spring application semester, maintaining that requirement for the duration of participation in the program.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Willingness to learn and share knowledge and resources
• Shows an understanding that students’ background, culture, religion, politics, identities and interests are broad and is an example of Geneseo’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

• Virtual training day and initial contact with assigned mentees during the Summer.
• Commitment to being a mentor through both the Fall and Spring semesters.
• Proactively engage with students throughout the entire academic year and meet with them individually once per week of which at least (4) times per semester are in person. Attend program group meetings (1-2 x per semester).
• Approximately 4-6 hours per week in time commitment
• Thoroughly document all your engagements in the Navigate system Weekly
• Be responsive to program administrator & supervisor when contacted
• Check-in with assigned program supervisor on a monthly basis
• Attend and participate in first-gen events

• Stronger connections within the First Gen community and greater awareness of resources.
• Opportunity to “pay it forward” by helping new students find belonging and academic fulfillment.
• Leadership development and training.
• Mentors can apply for an internship credited course (INTD 395).  This fulfills IAL (integrated applied learning) requirements, and can also fulfill “outside major” requirements.  (2-3 credits)
• If you do not need credit but do need the IAL you can still apply to use the program as an internship.  (Requires initial learning agreement connecting it to 3 learning outcomes, a mid-term reflection writing assignment and an end-term reflection writing assignment.  There is also a formal evaluation by the supervisor.
• Mentors can apply for the Internship Stipend Program – allowed 1 time in Geneseo enrollment, given for 1 semester – $500 per credit.  The stipend must funnel through the Financial Aid Office.