'Students Helping Students'

By Betsy Curry
A new program geared toward benefiting incoming freshmen is currently being designed. Emmanuel Ogwude, Program Manager of Student Services is developing a mentoring program titled Students Helping Students, starting in the fall semester 2006.

The program is dedicated to making the adjustment to college a little easier for freshmen. WVUP is home to nearly 800 new students each semester. On an average, half of those students would be better prepared if they had a peer to whom they could relate. Ogwude’s program is designed to do just that. With the use of peers, instead of faculty as in the past, Ogwude has high hopes of the program being very successful.

Students Helping Students is strictly a volunteer run program. Any student interested must meet a few requirements to be sure the freshmen receive the needed help. The students may be either full time or part time and must have finished at least two semesters at WVUP in good standing. A 2.5 GPA is considered good academics. Those interested are expected to have good interpersonal skills and a willingness to meet new people. Volunteers must be available for meeting times with freshmen. Students must also be able to manage their time and be accessible.

The program is not only designed to help freshmen, but also those mentoring. Students who choose to mentor will develop leadership skills for future job experience. The program also offers the chance to develop organizational skills, make friends, gain insight into the college and it allows for good exposure. Being involved in mentoring programs will attract the attention of possible future employers when added to your resumé.