Peer Mentors
EMPOWER is a post-secondary program at the University of Arkansas for individuals
with mild intellectual disabilities. The goal of peer mentorship is to create an open
learning and socialization environment for all students.
Peer mentors work with EMPOWER students both in class to assist as necessary with note taking, and outside of class with navigating campus life and tutoring.
Mentors and mentees work on social skills, daily living skills, (setting an alarm, checking email/Blackboard), academic tasks including tutoring and study habits, and health and wellness. Below are a list of mentorship roles and their primary responsibilites.
Requirements
- 3+ hours per week
- Semester commitment
- Hours are set to fit your schedule
Related links and materials (PDFs)
Mentorship Roles
|
Mentor Role |
Primary Responsibilities |
Typical Engagement |
Ideal For |
|
Residential Mentor |
Support students in the residence hall setting, facilitate weekly residential curriculum, monitor independent living expectations, and participate in a rotating weekend on-call system. |
Weekly group meetings and on-call weekend coverage. |
Students interested in student development, residential support, and leadership. |
|
Social Mentor |
Promote campus and community involvement by encouraging students to attend events, build friendships, and participate in social activities both on and off campus. |
Flexible weekly meetings including evenings, meals, weekends, and between classes. |
Students who enjoy relationship-building, campus involvement, and community engagement. |
|
Academic Mentor |
Provide classroom support, assist with assignments, note-taking, study skills, tutoring, and communication with faculty and peers. Maintain communication with the academic liaison regarding assignments. |
In-class support, tutoring sessions, and assignment assistance throughout the week. |
Students interested in education, tutoring, academic support, or special education. |
|
Health/Wellness Mentor |
Support healthy routines through workouts, cooking activities, and wellness-focused sessions designed individually or in groups. |
Weekday workouts and/or weekend wellness activities. |
Students interested in occupational therapy, wellness, or creative program planning. |
|
Career Mentor / Job Coach |
Develop workplace readiness skills such as communication, professionalism, task completion, and conflict resolution. Provide on-site internship support when needed. |
Weekly career-focused meetings and/or internship site support. |
Students pursuing occupational therapy, vocational rehabilitation, counseling, or workforce development. |
Please contact for information:
| Kenzie Moser | Amanda Wallace | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mentor Coordinator | Student Engagement and Training Manager | |||||||||
| 479-575-2433 | 479-575-5497 | |||||||||
| km336@uark.edu | aw008@uark.edu |