UMatter Program

Peer Mentors

Students Supporting Students

UMatter Peer Mentors are current USF students who serve as coaches, role models, and supportive guides. They work alongside UMatter students as they navigate college courses, campus life, and the everyday responsibilities of independent living.

Interested in becoming a Peer Mentor? 

How Peer Mentors Support Students

The Eileen Hoffman Hafer UMatter Program supports young adults with intellectual disabilities as they participate in college courses, campus activities, career preparation, and independent living experiences. As fellow USF students, Peer Mentors offer a relatable perspective and build respectful, supportive relationships.

Peer Mentors build on each student’s strengths, goals, and growing independence. They model effective strategies, provide structured guidance, connect students with resources, and encourage confidence, self-advocacy, engagement, and a sense of belonging.

What Peer Mentors Do

Mentoring is individualized. Responsibilities vary according to each student's goals, the mentor's assigned role, and program needs.

Academic Peer Mentors

Academic Peer Mentors help students participate in USF courses and develop practical strategies for learning, organization, and follow-through. They may:

  • Provide individualized academic support and help students understand coursework and assignment expectations.
  • Break assignments into manageable steps and support preparation for quizzes, exams, and deadlines.
  • Teach and model study, organization, note-taking, and time-management strategies.
  • Strengthen executive functioning and communication routines, including planning, attention, follow-through, and university email.
Life Skills Peer Mentors

Life Skills Peer Mentors help students practice routines and social skills that support independent adulthood on campus and in the community. They may:

  • Teach and model daily living routines such as housekeeping, personal care, healthy eating, shopping, and money management.
  • Help students follow schedules and navigate campus and local transportation.
  • Practice social skills, community engagement, and positive peer interactions.
  • Support independent living in residence halls and other USF St. Petersburg facilities.

Become a UMatter Peer Mentor

Looking for a meaningful paid campus role where you can support fellow students and build practical leadership experience? Explore opportunities to support students’ confidence, connections, and independence as a UMatter Peer Mentor.

Why Become a Peer Mentor?

Peer Mentors make a meaningful contribution to the UMatter experience while gaining practical skills that transfer to coursework, careers, and community leadership.

  • Make a meaningful impact. Help students build skills, confidence, independence, and a stronger sense of belonging at USF.
  • Build leadership and communication skills. Practice coaching, active listening, teamwork, problem-solving, and advocacy.
  • Gain relevant professional experience. Develop transferable skills valuable across many careers, including education, psychology, social work, rehabilitation, and disability services.
  • Learn through hands-on practice. Build instructional, documentation, and ethical decision-making skills in campus and community settings.
  • Join a supportive team. Collaborate with UMatter staff and fellow mentors in a role scheduled around student and mentor availability.

Is This Role Right for You?

This role may be a good fit for current USF students who:

  • Communicate clearly and build respectful relationships.
  • Bring patience, empathy, reliability, and a strengths-based mindset.
  • Use good judgment and approach challenges with flexibility and problem-solving skills.
  • Can provide clear, structured support while encouraging independence and self-advocacy.

Coursework, volunteer experience, personal experience, or an interest in education, disability services, psychology, social work, rehabilitation, intellectual or developmental disabilities, or another helping field may be beneficial.

Interested in Being a Peer Mentor?

Our Peer Mentor Interest Form is open year-round. Submit your information anytime and UMatter contact you when opportunities are available, including during formal recruitment periods.

Submit a Peer Mentor Interest Form

Questions? Contact u-matter@usf.edu