KR
Kevin Ritchie
  • Accountancy (BSACCY)
  • Anaheim, CA

Kevin Ritchie Is Selected As Fall 2011 Peer Mentor

2011 Apr 14

Kevin Ritchie, a Sophmore Accounting major and a resident of Anaheim, CA, was selected as one of only 40 mentors as part of the Peer Jacks mentoring program for Northern Arizona University for the fall 2011 semester. Peer Jacks mentors work exclusively with out-of-state students who are part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program to get them more connected to campus, its resources, and the community. Out-of-state students traditionally have a tougher time transitioning to university life so the Peer Jacks program was created as a resource to help them succeed and graduate.

"Many of our mentors are out-of-state students themselves who know first-hand the challenges faced by their peers," says program coordinator Kelley Horn. "Many mentors maintain friendships they make with the incoming students throughout the year."

Students are paired with a peer mentor within the first week of school and are mentored throughout their freshman year. Mentors and mentees meet in person bi-weekly and stay connected at other times through social media platforms, text messaging, and e-mail.

Peer Jacks mentors are certified through the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) and receive additional training and support from staff as needed.

The Peer Jacks program strives to build a community, to facilitate the development of a support network for first year, out-of-state students, to ease their transition to the university, and develop a sense of self-direction by promoting learning beyond the classroom. Students are empowered to achieve autonomy while completing their degree. More information is available at nau.edu/peer

Founded in 1899, Northern Arizona University has established a powerful legacy of educating students to help them make a difference in the world. With an expansive Extended Campuses program, the university has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 20,000 students located at more than 30 sites across Arizona or online. The university is a leader in integrating sustainability into university policies and educational curriculum highlighted by the Platinum LEED-certified Applied Research and Development building, the third-greenest building in the world. More information is online at nau.edu