Gavilan Joint Community College District
Preparing Students for a Successful Future
Students Build Leadership
Skills in Peer Mentor Program
Surrounded by literature about all the student services, peer
mentors Jacob Spaulding and Mary Salmeron work together
in the Gavilan College Welcome Center.
G
avilan College’s Peer Mentors, trained students
from all majors, are often the fi rst point of
contact for people learning about Gavilan
College. Stationed at the Welcome Center, serving as
campus tour guides, working in classrooms and tutoring
labs, they offer straight talk about the questions students
ask the most.
In the Welcome Center, in addition to answering
questions, they help students schedule appointments with
counselors, explain financial aid and FAFSA, point out
deadlines with applications and transfers.
"We can keep it friendly with students, offer personal
experience," said Mary Salmeron. "We refer them to
counselors for the tough stuff."
Salmeron, a May 2018 graduate, became a
peer mentor in 2017. "I like the educational forums
we can attend, and let them know all the ways peer
mentors can help." In Fall 2018 he transferred to CSU
Northridge to study media.
Jacob Spaulding became a peer mentor in Spring
2018. A first year CSI major, he likes the freedom to
be studious, scheduling his class time around his peer
mentor duties.
Peer Mentors (l-r) Angelica Johnson, John Cardinalli, Jacob
Spaulding, Skye Gonzalez adjusted their flags, lined up the
Gavilan College 2018 graduates and led the processional
"You aren't just restricted to a desk for hours,"
he said, noting a recent suicide prevention training
session he participated in.
Peer mentors work at the Career Fair, in the
Writing Center, in the math labs and in other internal
leadership positions. They receive training on all the
student services and can direct students to the right
place for technical information, records and financial
aid deadlines.
The tour's on us! Peer Mentors conduct campus
tours and assist the college in outreach activities.
In August they helped to meet and greet guests—
and helped them find the Student Center—when
the Gilroy Rotary held their meeting on the
college campus.
The program recruits for new Peer Mentors in the
fall. Students receive leadership and specialized
training and can structure up to 20 hours a week
of work around their class schedules. They build
leadership and interpersonal skills, which adds to
their academic and professional resumes.
Contact Ryan Shook, Student Life Coordinator, to
learn more about this program.
For more information about the Peer Mentor Program, email Ryan Shook at rshook@gavilan.edu
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GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018
gmhtoday.com