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Academic Advising and Peer Mentoring

All PharmD students are assigned an advisor when they begin the program. Advisors can offer assistance to students in numerous ways, including: selecting electives, offering advice during academic difficulty, career planning, and mentoring. It is each student’s responsibility to know the identity of his or her advisor. Every student should schedule a meeting at least once a semester with his or her advisor, even if the student is not having academic difficulty.

Background

The Peer Mentoring Program within the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy promotes the successful transition of new students to the PharmD experience. Peer Mentors are paired with new PharmD students to add an additional layer of support and advocacy throughout the first year of study. Peer Mentors provide guidance on all things related to the doctor of pharmacy program while also serving as a consistent point of contact for questions and referral.

 Highlights for New Students

  • Access to a seasoned PharmD student to help with transitioning and orienting to the program
  • At least one face-to-face mentoring meeting each semester
  • At least one group-mentoring social event during the first year
  • Consistent information sharing from peer mentor regarding involvement opportunities, class-related suggestions, and other quality-of-life topics
  • A single source of peer contact to ask questions or seek clarifications

 Goals of the Peer Mentoring Program

  • To facilitate a successful, holistic transition (academic, personal, cultural) into the PharmD experience
  • To expose new PY1 students to model behaviors, dispositions, characteristics, and competencies of successful PharmD students
  • To increase the sense of belonging and satisfaction among PY1 students
  • To foster and grow a productive community of colleagues and scholars among PY1 students
  • To empower new PY1 students to become responsible, intentional self-advocates and decision-makers regarding their PharmD experience
  • To provide peer-based resources and advocacy for new/transitioning PY1 students

 Expectations for Peer Mentors

  • Current PY3 student in good academic standing (3.0 cumulative GPA or higher)
  • Available to serve as a peer mentor for both the fall and spring semesters
  • Must complete peer-mentor training prior to serving as a peer mentor
  • Must attend peer mentor-sponsored events
  • Serves as a positive representative of the School and models ideal PharmD student practices and behaviors
  • Maintains ongoing, consistent contact with mentees through a variety of mediums (e-mail, text, in-person, social media, etc.), keeping them informed of opportunities and best practices of the successful PharmD student
  • Tracks contact with mentees
  • Acts as a resource or repository of information, expertise, and referral for new students
  • Communicates questions and concerns as appropriate with the Office of Student Affairs
  • Meets one-on-one with each mentee once each semester