With the Spring 2012 semester in the books and final grades recorded, the Peer Outreach Mentoring Program (POMP) at UCF\u2019s Rosen College of Hospitality Management concluded its second consecutive term with overwhelming success. The Program, which helps at-risk, probationary and readmitted students improve their grades through peer mentors, saw an average increase of 1.76 in the recent term GPA of the 18 mentees who attended at least one POMP meeting. The average increase is up from 1.41 in the fall, which had nearly half of its current membership, with 11 mentees.<\/p>\n
According to POMP\u2019s director, academic services coordinator Vanessa Cogswell, \u201cat its core, the success of the Program is rooted in the relationships of the mentors and mentees. Students have an easier time applying the advice of their peers, as opposed to a professor, parent or an advisor, because they have taken the same classes and\/or faced similar challenges, and can therefore better relate to their common experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n
Through the Program\u2019s bi-weekly meetings, hosted during the fall & spring semesters, struggling students can interact with their peer mentors to discuss different academic and social topics, such as test-taking strategies and stress management tips.<\/p>\n
Mentors must not only meet the minimum academic standards of a 3.0 cumulative GPA or better, but must also successfully interview with Cogswell to ensure advising capabilities.\u00a0 Cogswell is also planning to implement \u201ctraining\u201d modules for the Fall 2012 term to add more substance to the Program’s orientation session.<\/p>\n
\u201cPOMP is a support system for students who need a little extra encouragement, direction or advice,\u201d said Cogswell. \u201cOur peer mentors must not only be able to help their mentees academically, but must also be able to empathize with them. That balance offers the support that our members need to succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n
In its brief two-term history, POMP has helped remove more than half of its total membership from academic probation, and recently helped 10 mentees to finish the spring semester with a 3.0 term GPA or better.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Program has been so successful that Dean Pizam wants to help recognize POMP\u2019s accomplishments with a ceremony and certificates,\u201d said Cogswell. \u201cHe would also like to honor a Mentor of the Year with an award presented to the winner at the ceremony.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition to the acknowledgement from the Dean of UCF\u2019s Rosen College, the Program\u2019s success was also recognized by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).<\/p>\n