The Mentoring for Success Program is available at no cost to all currently enrolled Western Michigan University undergraduate students. Priority will be given to students in our target population. Eligible students may participate in the program to receive tutoring and mentoring in various academic disciplines and undergraduate courses they are currently taking at WMU. Students must be currently enrolled in the courses for which they are seeking help because their assigned mentors will help reinforce lessons they have learned in their classes and help develop effective study skills that are relevant to those particular courses. They must be taking the courses at WMU. We do not offer prep courses for future courses or standardized tests.
We offer academic support in hundreds of courses through Pear Deck Tutor. Tutors include seasoned teachers, professionals, and other subject matter experts. They must be at least 18 years old, be able to demonstrate a mastery of subjects tutored, have previous tutoring or teaching experience, and be enrolled in or have graduated from an accredited university. Every participant is also assigned to an academic mentor. Our academic mentors are full-time WMU students who have achieved at least sophomore status, have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher, have completed at least one semester in a degree-granting program, and have demonstrated academic proficiency in the subject areas in which they will be mentoring.
Program Goals
- Increased grade point average: Participants increase their GPAs.
- Advanced academic standing: Participants advance from one classification (first-year, sophomore, junior, or senior) to the next based upon the standard for credit attainment and completion established by WMU.
- Increased acceptance into majors: Participants are accepted into their major of choice.
- Increased graduation: Participants graduate with a bachelor's degree from WMU.
- Institutionalization of program: Program identity is established on campus, program continuation is supported by campus partners, and program is making a positive impact on WMU.
Peer Mentoring Goals
- Not just focused on course content.
- Geared toward achieving specific academic and developmental goals.
- Help students develop and enhance good study habits and learning techniques.
- Customize tutoring style based on students’ specific needs and learning styles.
The Mentoring for Success Program is funded by the State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's King-Chávez-Parks Initiative and WMU's Multicultural Affairs for Students and Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The program was formerly known as the Steps Toward Exhibiting Mastery Program. References to the former name can still be found in our participant and former staff testimonials.
