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Queer Peer Mentorship Program

(Launching Fall 2024)

The Queer Peer Mentoring Program pairs incoming LGBQT+ first year students with returning LGBTQ+ sophomores, juniors, or seniors for assistance with transitioning to social and academic life at Trinity. Our mentors provide important peer support and assist with navigating various college processes that are essential for LGBTQ+ community needs and success.

Learning Goals:

  • Mentors in our program will become knowledgeable about various campus services, and receive extensive training on peer-support practices and leadership skills necessary for the development of successful mentorship experiences.
  • Mentees in our program will gain a comprehensive awareness of Trinity’s LGBTQ+ services and processes and will gain an important connection with an upper-year peer for support in their transition to life and learning at the College as an LGBTQ+ student at Trinity.

Wellness credit for participating mentees:
Mentees participating in this program will be eligible to receive a wellness requirement credit in the ‘Mind, Body, and Spirit’ category.

  • Both mentors and mentees will learn to utilize important goal setting and boundary setting tools and practice intentional and effective communication skills across people with shared identities and/or diverse experiences and perspectives. This program will help all participants develop and practice skills for positive identity development, self-affirmation, self-advocacy, mental and physical wellbeing practices, personal administration and stress management skills, active listening and peer support skills, personal and peer crisis support skills, interpersonal relationship and communication skills, and collaboration and conflict resolution skills, which will enrich the students’ personal development at the college and their readiness for life after Trinity.

Wellness credit for participating mentors:
Mentors participating in the program receive extensive training on campus services, peer-support practices, and leadership skills necessary for the development of successful mentorship experiences. Mentors are are eligible to receive a wellness credit for the ‘Community Health and Responsibility’ category.

Activities required to complete wellness experience:

  • Mentor Training / Orientation (2-3 hrs.)
  • Mentorship program mixer (1 hr.)
  • Meetings to complete foundational peer assignments (2-3 hrs.)
  • Bi-weekly Peer Check-in engagements to provide peer support/assistance opportunities. (5-7 hrs.)
    (ex: meeting for a meal, coffee, video or board games, attending campus events together, etc…)
  • QRC mentorship program special outings and events (2-3 hrs.)
  • End of semester reflection paper about the participants experience in the program, specifically reflecting on their personal learning and growth. (2 hrs.)

Total program commitment: (14 – 19 hours over Fall semester)