WISE Program

To foster an environment of both academic and personal success, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion has created the WISE Peer 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.

Mission Statement

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 Programming

WISE Up Wednesday

Led by WISE Vista and Assistant Director of WISE, in conjunction with various campus partners, the WISE Up Wednesday event is an opportunity for all participants of the WISE Program to gather to discuss which takes place one (1) time per month and is held on the second (2) Wednesday of the month.
Dates: Times subject to change based on availability but need to be set times. 

WISE Mentor Support Meeting

Led by WISE Team Leads, the WISE Mentor Support meeting is an opportunity for WISE Mentors to gather to discuss which takes place one (1) time per month and is held on the third (3) Wednesday of the month.
Dates: Times subject to change based on availability but need to be set times. 

WISE Mentee Support Meeting

Led by WISE Team Leads, the WISE Mentee Support meeting is an opportunity for WISE Mentees to gather to discuss which takes place one (1) time per month and is held on the fourth (4) Wednesday of the month.
Dates: Times subject to change based on availability but need to be set times. 

Midterm Outreach

    1. WISE students who receive a C or below on Midterms are compiled into a list each semester and given to Assistant Director of WISE.  
    2. Students are then contacted to create an action plan for academic success.   

Program Benefits

WISE Team Lead, Media Intern, and WISE Mentor

    • 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)

WISE Mentee

    • 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)

Institutional

    • Increased retention and graduation rates of students who identify as first generation and or belonging to an underrepresented population
    • Increased student satisfaction

Program Goal and Anticipated Outcomes

Goal

To increase retention by alleviating initial isolation, increasing student involvement and interaction, and providing the student with additional encouragement and inspiration to be successful by bridging the gap between institutional services and support systems.  A series of programs and activities are designed to assist students with their adjustment to college life.

Anticipated Outcomes

First Year

For WISE Mentees

    1. First-to-second semester persistence
    2. Connection to Stetson (peer-to-peer, faculty, staff, alumni)
    3. Acclimation to campus culture
    4. Resourcefulness
    5. Increased self-efficacy
    6. Satisfactory academic achievement   

Second Year to Graduation

For members of WISE inclusive of those who chose not to be WISE Mentors after their first year 

    1. Increased first-to-second year retention
    2. Good academic and social engagement
    3. Continued persistence
    4. Continued study hours in the Tri-C   

Program Overview

WISE Team Lead Qualifications, Responsibilities and Expectations 

WISE Team Leads are provided with excellent leadership and networking opportunities.  Any continuing upper-class undergraduate students may apply to serve as a peer WISE Mentor.  The qualifications for participating as a WISE Mentor include:

  1. Having a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5,
  2. Good interpersonal and communication skills,
  3. Commitment to diversity and multiculturalism, 
  4. Knowledge of campus and community resources; and 
  5. Commitment to the WISE Program for the entire academic year.

WISE Team Leads play a vital role in assisting with the adjustment and success of new students to the campus community.  Therefore, there are specified responsibilities and expectations they must embrace.

WISE Media Intern Qualifications, Responsibilities and Expectations 

WISE Media Intern is provided with excellent leadership and networking opportunities.  Any continuing upper-class undergraduate students may apply to serve as a peer WISE Mentor.  The qualifications for participating as a WISE Mentor include:

  1. Having a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5,
  2. Good interpersonal and communication skills,
  3. Commitment to diversity and multiculturalism, 
  4. Knowledge of campus and community resources; and 
  5. Commitment to the WISE Program for the entire academic year.

WISE Media Intern play a vital role in assisting with the adjustment and success of new students to the campus community.  Therefore, there are specified responsibilities and expectations they must embrace.

WISE Mentor Qualifications, Responsibilities and Expectations 

WISE Mentors are provided with excellent leadership and networking opportunities.  Any continuing upper-class undergraduate students may apply to serve as a peer WISE Mentor.  The qualifications for participating as a WISE Mentor include:

  1. Having a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5,
  2. Good interpersonal and communication skills,
  3. Commitment to diversity and multiculturalism, 
  4. Knowledge of campus and community resources; and 
  5. Commitment to the WISE Program for the entire academic year.

WISE Mentors are paired with WISE Mentees based on several criteria or factors, e.g., race, gender, sexual identity, academic major, religion, interests/hobbies, etc.   WISE Mentors play a vital role in assisting with the adjustment and success of new students to the campus community.  Therefore, there are specified responsibilities and expectations they must embrace.

WISE Mentee Qualifications, Responsibilities, and Expectations 

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.

Once accepted into the program, WISE matches incoming first-year and transfer undergraduate students, who identify as first generation and or belonging to an underrepresented population, (WISE Mentees) with continuing upper-class undergraduate students (WISE Mentors).  WISE Mentees will be matched with peer WISE Mentors based on several criteria and preferences, e.g., race, gender, religion, academic major, interests/hobbies, etc.

Selection Process

All WISE Mentor applicants are required to engage in an interview. The interviews will take place during the spring semester.  The final selection of WISE Mentors will occur by the end of May.  The successful applicants will receive notice of the decision with further instructions regarding their participation.

All interested in becoming WISE Mentees will be invited to apply. The final selection of WISE Mentees will occur by the end of June. The successful applicants will receive notice of the decision with further instructions regarding their participation.