Peer Mentor Program

The DRC Peer Mentor Program (PMP) pairs incoming and current DRC students to foster a sense of belonging and cultivate the skills needed to navigate their higher education experience. Over the course of the academic year, the PMP hosts monthly socials, workshops, and awareness activities. Additionally, mentors meet with their mentees bi-weekly throughout the course of the year. By fostering connections, the PMP establishes a holistic experience at Purdue, along with creating the development of self-awareness and cultivating an engaging and supporting collegiate environment.

Become a Mentee

In order to become a mentee in the DRC Peer Mentor Program, students must have a disability/condition and be registered with the DRC. To get registered with the DRC, please visit our Student Accommodations and Services page.

Please note: The application to become a mentee will close in February 2023.

2022-23 Mentee Interest Form

Become a Mentor

In order to become a mentor in the DRC's Peer Mentor Program, students must meet the following qualifications:

• Be a sophomore, junior, or senior with a disability/condition
• Participate in an interview
• Attend Peer Mentor Training in August
• Must attend a minimum of 3 socials and/or workshops each semester

Please note: The application to become a mentor is currently closed, and will open in February 2023.

What Activities Will I get to Participate In?

Below is a list of common activities that students involved in the Peer Mentor Program can expect to have the opportunity to engage in:

• Mentor/Mentee Hangouts
• Socials (e.g., Corn Maze, Game Nights, Bowling, Ice Cream Social, Photo Scavenger, etc.)
• Campus Events and Activities
• Workshops:
  • Academic Success Skills
  • Career and Employment Opportunities
  • Disability Awareness
  • Self-Care
  • Panels
  • Current Events/Special Topics

How are matches made?

Prospective participants complete an application, that includes personal and academic information. Using the information participants provide, matches are made based on the following criteria:

• Disability/Condition Type
• Academic College/Major
• Gender

Final pairing decisions are made by the DRC Access Consultants, based on best fit for both the Mentee and Mentor. Students are notified about the matches early in the fall semester or as interest is made by the mentee.

What are the benefits of the Program?

The DRC Peer Mentor Program (PMP) offers Mentees multiple levels of support and stability throughout their transition into the collegiate environment.

The PMP offers opportunities to:

• Improve communication and self-advocacy skills
• Become acquainted with academic and personal resources on campus
• Learn to cultivate personal relationships with a peer(s) in the PMP
• Gain a better understanding of their disability in relation to the collegiate environment
• Develop a sense of belonging at Purdue and the community.

The DRC Peer Mentor Program (PMP) affords Mentors opportunities to share personal knowledge and lived experiences that will assist their mentee in navigating the process of becoming a Boilermaker. Mentors will also develop leadership skills while building relationships with peers in the PMP.

There are opportunities to:

• Participate in professional development
• Polish skills that transfer into the workforce
• Have a voice within the Purdue community.