The Peer Coach Program is an innovative and inclusive mentorship initiative designed to empower students with disabilities by fostering social engagement, leadership development, and personal growth. This program pairs students who have accommodations with upperclassmen who also have accommodations, creating a supportive, empathetic, and collaborative environment.

The Peer Coach Program serves as a bridge between students navigating academic life with accommodations and upperclassmen who have experienced similar challenges. By pairing these students together, the program facilitates meaningful mentorship relationships where upperclassmen can offer guidance, support, and insights on how to effectively navigate the academic, social, and extracurricular aspects of life at Siena.

Program Objectives:

1. Social Engagement:
   The program helps students with disabilities feel more connected to the campus community. By pairing them with upperclassmen mentors, students are encouraged to participate in social activities, attend events, and build friendships, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion.

2. Leadership Skill Building:
   Mentorship is a two-way street. While the students with accommodations benefit from the guidance and support of their upperclassmen, mentors also develop leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills as they help others navigate challenges. This experience is especially valuable for students looking to enhance their leadership skills while making a positive impact on their peers.

3. Academic Support:
   Peer coaches provide practical strategies for managing coursework, balancing academics with other responsibilities, and utilizing available resources. The mentors share their own strategies for success and help their mentees identify and access the accommodations and support services available to them.

4. Empathy and Advocacy:
   The program promotes understanding and advocacy by allowing students with disabilities to share their experiences with mentors who can empathize with their challenges. This mutual understanding fosters a more inclusive and supportive campus environment, as students learn not only how to succeed academically but also how to advocate for their needs and rights.

5. Personal Growth:
   Through their involvement in the Peer Coach Program, both mentors and mentees develop a deeper sense of confidence and self-awareness. Mentors gain a sense of fulfillment from helping others, while mentees gain valuable skills that help them become more self-sufficient and proactive in managing their academic and personal lives.

Program Structure:

• Pairing Process:
  Mentees are matched with upperclassmen Peer Coaches who share similar accommodations, interests, and academic goals. This thoughtful pairing process ensures that the mentor and mentee can build a strong connection based on shared experiences.

• Meetings and Engagement:
  Pairs are encouraged to meet regularly, either in person or virtually, to discuss challenges, set academic goals, and share personal experiences. They may also engage in social activities together, such as attending campus events, study sessions, or networking opportunities.

• Leadership Development:
  Mentors participate in leadership training before the Academic Year to enhance their mentoring skills and build their own leadership capacities. These workshops also focus on communication, problem-solving, and disability advocacy.

• Continuous Support:
  Peer mentors receive ongoing support from The Office of Accessibility to ensure they have the resources and guidance needed to effectively support their mentees. Additionally, feedback is gathered from both mentors and mentees to continuously improve the program and its impact.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Mentees:
  Any student with a documented disability who requires academic accommodations is eligible to participate in the program. Mentees must be open to building a supportive relationship with a peer and actively engaging in program activities.

• Mentors:
  Upperclassmen who have a documented disability and have successfully utilized accommodations are encouraged to apply. Mentors must be passionate about helping others, have strong communication skills, and be committed to fostering an inclusive campus community.

Benefits of the Program:

• For Mentees:

  • Personalized mentorship from an experienced upperclassman with similar needs and experiences.

  • Enhanced social integration and participation in campus activities.

  • Development of strategies for academic success and self-advocacy.

  • Opportunities to build lasting friendships and networks.

• For Mentors:

  • Strengthened leadership, mentorship, and communication skills.

  • Greater empathy and understanding of peers’ experiences.

  • A sense of fulfillment from giving back to the community.

  • Recognition for their contribution to creating a more inclusive environment.

The Peer Coach Program is more than just a mentorship initiative—it is a pathway for students with disabilities to thrive both academically and socially. By fostering a supportive environment where upperclassmen and underclassmen can learn from and empower each other, the program creates an inclusive and compassionate community that benefits all participants. Through this program, students not only gain academic and leadership skills but also a sense of belonging and purpose within the broader university community.