Frequently Asked Questions

What is Success at WMU?
Success at WMU is a presidential initiative to demonstrate Western Michigan University's dedication to student success. This initiative focuses on the development and effectiveness of the student experience through programs such as Peer2Peer eMentoring, the JED Initiative, and an expansion of the Gateways to Completion Program.

What is Peer2Peer?
Peer2Peer is an eMentoring program designed as an intentional intervention to engage students with our campus, promoting comfort and a sense of belonging. The Peer2Peer program was born as a result of the data and feedback from students received during the 2018-2019 Success at WMU Mentoring program that indicated new students prefer to use electronic and digital platforms for communicating with their mentors.   

Who do Success at WMU and the Peer2Peer program serve?
Success at WMU and Peer2Peer are designed to serve all first-year and new transfer students. 

What are the key components of the Peer2Peer program?
First-year students will:

  • Be assigned to an eMentor
  • Be led by the same eMentor for the entire year
  • Receive numerous communications from their eMentor that will help to ease their academic, professional, and social transition to college.

What is the rationale behind the program?
Research indicates that students who feel a connection to their campus and a sense of belonging are much more likely to persist through their curriculum and graduate. The Peer2Peer program provides incoming students with a guide to make enduring connections with people and our campus that will last a lifetime. 

The eMentors will help incoming students to explore and engage with their campus and develop a stronger sense of belonging. Additionally, the program will help students to navigate the resources available to them that are designed to help them succeed academically, professionally, and socially.

What will eMentors use to communicate with students. 
eMentors will use a variety of electronic and digital communication platforms. These include but are not limited to:

  • Texting
  • Social Media platforms - primarily Instagram
  • Email
  • YouTube
  • Website

When will students learn about Peer2Peer?

Students will learn about the Peer2Peer program at New Student Orientation and the Transfer Transition Program. During the first week of fall classes, eMentors will reach out to their assigned new and transfer students.  

Will students meet their eMentors face-to-face?

 It is not the intention of the Peer2Peer program to facilitate face-to-face meetings. Instead of meeting the individual eMentor and making a single connection on campus, students will have opportunities to increase their social network. They will receive communication from their eMentors that will enable them to find places and groups on campus that enable them to meet others that share their individual values and passions.

What can a new student ask the eMentors?

The goal of the eMentor is to aid new students in making a smooth transition to the university and increase their opportunity for success. This looks different for everyone and, as a result, there is no "perfect list" of questions for a student to ask an eMentor. Still, some topics a student may want to reach out to an eMentor about include (but are not limited to):

  • Experiences and expectations campus and in the classroom
  • Social activities and events on campus and in the community 
  • Strategies for success
  •  Skills and how to improve them (communication, leadership, networking, etc.)
  • School/Life balance
  • Resources available on campus
  • Processes and procedures for accomplishing things at the university
  • Time management