*
Contact Us
Campus Life 120
815-753-7822
Fax: 815-753-7830
Email: retention@niu.edu
NIU
offers a variety of peer mentoring programs to assist students with the
transition from high school or community college. The mentoring programs
have faculty, staff, and peer mentors who volunteer to assist students
with their adjustment to NIU. The mentoring programs serve NIU’s diverse
student population by providing students with a variety of mentors from
which to choose. If you are interested in having a mentor through one
of these programs, please contact the designated coordinator of that program.
- Black
Male Initiative (BMI)
The Black Male Initiative (BMI) has been developed to assist traditionally admitted Black males with their transition into Northern Illinois University. The programs provides upperclassmen as mentors/guides to identify the necessary skills and support services required to persist toward graduating from NIU. The program also offers opportunities for community service, collaborating with other student organizations, social outings, academic monitoring and other activities designed to assist students to connect with the University community. If you would like additional information, contact Don Bramlett at 815-753-7822 or dbramlett@niu.edu or click on the link above to visit the BMI website.
- ÉXITO!
Para los Latinos
University Resources for Latinos offers peer mentoring support to new Latina/o students to help them adjust to campus life and succeed at NIU. New students are matched with upperclass Latino students who serve as role models and friendly resources of information, encouragement, and support. ÉXITO peer mentors can help new students find their way around campus, connect with student services, meet other members of the Latino community, and get involved with campus organizations and activities. The program is coordinated by the University Resources for Latinos office, Latino Center 515 Garden Road, 753-1986.
- P.M.P
Program
The P.M.P. (Peer Mentoring Program) is designed to help new students in the CHANCE program adjust to the academic and social environment at NIU. New students are matched with successful upperclass students in the CHANCE program who serve as role models and resources of support and information. Students who are interested in the program should contact the Associate Director of the CHANCE program at 753-7904, Williston Hall 120B.
- Project
PATAL (Peer Assisted Tutoring and Learning)
The College of Engineering sponsors Project PATAL (Peer Assisted Tutoring and Learning). Project P.A.T.A.L. provides networking opportunities for students among the various interdisciplinary professional organizations in the College of Engineering. PATAL provides peer tutoring support for engineering students taking foundation courses, as well as courses in English, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and computer science. The college also offers related programs such as Freshman Mentoring, and Focused Tutoring to provide engineering students with comprehensive learning opportunities. Project PATAL is coordinated by Promod Vohra, Engineering Building 331, 753-1442, hannon@niu.edu.
- S-Plan
(Survive and Succeed)
The S Plan (Survive and Succeed) matches new African and African American students with upperclass students according to major and transfer status. S Plan mentors serve as role models who help new students adjust and learn their way around campus, set and achieve goals, and connect with student services that can help them succeed at NIU. The S-Plan is also designed to help students gain more knowledge of the African & African American culture through activities, programs, and conferences. The program is coordinated by Derrick Smith in the Center for Black Studies, 753-4800, dssmith@niu.edu.
- Student
Faculty Links
The Student Faculty Links Program matches freshman students with faculty and staff mentors who will meet with them informally during the Fall semester. Students in all majors are welcome to participate. The goals of the program are to help new students: "learn the ropes" of university life, find answers to academic and personal questions, locate and use university and community resources, set goals, and learn to succeed at NIU. The program is coordinated by the Office of Orientation and Campus Information, 753-1535, freshconn@niu.edu.
- Student
Support Services
Student Support Services is a program which provides a range of services to students who are first-generation college students, have limited income, or are disabled. Services include a peer mentoring program for first year students, an alumni mentoring program for juniors and seniors, educational trips and outings, academic and career counseling, support groups, and workshops. Any undergraduate student is welcome to apply for the program in the Student Support Services office, Williston 342, 753-1142.