College of Charleston Peer Facilitars at the IUPUI Symposium.
On Saturday October 1, 2016, eight College of Charleston peer facilitators from the Center for Excellence for Peer Education (CEPE) traveled to Indiana University –Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) campus to participate and present in a National Mentoring Symposium. This one day symposium was designed for students who serve as peer mentors in higher educational institutions. Peer mentors from around the nation attended to network, enhance their skills and increase their understanding of effective methods associated with student development and mentoring. Conference sessions on relevant topics were offered throughout the day and presented by professional higher education staff, faculty and student leaders. Approximately 480 students, faculty and staff from throughout the country were in attendance.
The College of Charleston peer facilitators presentation was on “Peer Facilitators are #CharlestonStrong; Continuing the diversity conversation and healing process” The presentation was divided up into sections so that all eight peer facilitators were able to present. Their presentation included these topics: Social Justice issues that affect everyone, the First Year Experience program at the College of Charleston, diversity challenges and opportunities at the College of Charleston, how to have a productive conversation about diversity, and a learning zone triggers activity.
Our College of Charleston peer facilitators were very excited to participate, learn from others and share their insights from the programs we have here at the College of Charleston.
Learning Zone Triggers Activity during CofC presentation.
“The Charleston PF’s are #CharlestonStrong and I think we showcased that individually and as a collective. We had great feedback, both written and verbally, and we were able to showcase what we do in FYE and why it matters so much. It was an amazing experience to interact with other peer educators and know that they too felt that issues like diversity and mental help were essential in first year curriculum. The PF team leaders are a tight knit group and I think after the trip to Indianapolis we became even closer. There’s something about presenting in front of a group of people and knowing that in some way we are making a difference that brings us together. And, I think that is something that’s so great about the CofC FYE program. We’re a close group of students all working towards this common good and making a difference in the lives of our peers.” (Marissa Myhill)
“Attending this conference was a wonderful learning experience because it gave us the opportunity to see new methods and techniques used by individuals who are trying to accomplish goals similar to our own here at CofC. I hope to be able to take some of these new perspectives and implement them into my teaching; especially the ice breaker activities to help all student engage in conversations.” (Dalton Shaak)
“The symposium was a great experience as a peer mentor as it helped me to gain greater insight to how other colleges operate in terms of peer education models. I really enjoyed IUPUI!” (Jessica Lassiter)