WISE FAQs

To foster an environment of both academic and personal success, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion has created the WISE Peer WISE Mentoring Program (WISE). WISE matches incoming first-year and transfer undergraduate students, who identify as first generation and or belonging to an underrepresented population, with continuing upper-class undergraduate students. Through an interactive experience, WISE promotes student retention through a leadership development environment focused on peer-WISE Mentorship and networking.

WISE is designed to provide a connection for first-year and transfer students who identify as first generation and or belonging to an underrepresented population, in their transition to the Stetson community by providing support and resources to increase their success and engagement with the university.

WISE promotes students’ success and persistence toward graduation through strengths-based leadership development and mentorship. The anticipated outcomes for WISE Mentees are:

  • Growth in sense of belonging and affinity to Stetson University
  • Access to academic/personal/social resources and activities
  • Enhanced awareness of campus and community resources and services
  • Personal satisfaction
  • Learn strategies for dealing with personal/academic matters
  • Get motivated to set goals and establish a plan to meet them
  • Build network (peers, faculty, staff/administrators, alumni)

Responsibilities include:

  • Expressed commitment to the program
  • Maintain the mutually agreed number (weekly, bi-weekly) of check-ins, conversations, meetings or interactions with each WISE Mentor during the fall and spring semesters
  • Attend the mandatory WISE Up Wednesdays meeting
  • Attend the mandatory WISE Mentee Support meeting

Expectations include:

  • Complete end-of-semester evaluations in the fall and spring
  • Comply with the University’s Principles on Diversity and Inclusion, Statement of Community Values, Honor Code and Code of Conduct

The application for WISE can be accessed at Stetson University Engage. WISE Mentee positions are limited so please apply as soon as possible.

The Summer Bridge Program will take place prior to FOCUS Orientation (FOCUS) on campus. To attend, WISE Mentees who are accepted into the program will have an early move-in date. Summer Bridge activities will take place on the Friday before FOCUS and include topics related to leadership development, community building, fostering campus connections, intercultural exploration, and establishing a network of peer support.

No, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion will cover the cost of move-in and meals for the early move-in of WISE Mentees.

No, the WISE Summer Bridge Program will conclude the day before FOCUS.

Once new students WISE Mentees apply to WISE, their preferences will help determine the continuing student, WISE Mentor, in which they will be matched. Preferences include major, gender identity, race/ethnicity/nationality, age, and interests.

Yes, you can still join the program and be matched with a peer mentor. However, you will miss an opportunity to learn more about the program in a formal setting and meet fellow WISE students prior to the start of class.

Yes, we encourage you to arrive on campus with your support networks.

We will inform students of our decision no later than the first week of July.

There are 24 available mentee positions.

We currently have 10 peer mentors.

If you no longer wish to be a part of the program, please schedule a time to meet with the WISE Program advisor to discuss this decision and to complete an exit form.