Student Testimonials
"The PEs we met are proof that this course helps students become successful." -COLS 194 Student, Fall 2023
"It was nice to have a person near my age going through the same things I am. It gave me the reassurance I needed as a first-year student. I know now that I am not alone." -COLS 194 Student, Fall 2023
"I feel like the peer educators were most valuable because of their perspectives as being students. Made me feel more comfortable knowing they had similar struggles and that they can share solutions." -COLS 194 Student, Fall 2023
Role
Peer Educators (PE) are integral to the success of COLS 194: You at UM: Curiosity and Life Design. PEs are paired with faculty or staff instructors to assist in planning and delivering course content. PEs interact with students in the classroom and beyond to build community and establish a learning cohort.
Peer Educators are UM undergraduates who support incoming students enrolled in COLS 194 through three specific roles:
- A peer resource
- A student mentor and campus guide
- A design team member
After intensive training, PEs will partner with instructional faculty in the classroom to meet and mentor new UM students, participate in course planning, and facilitate design thinking activities. One to two PEs will be assigned to each section of COLS 194. Outside the classroom, PEs will bridge the gap between instructors and students by taking an interest in new students, providing support through relevant referrals and cohort-building activities, and fostering exploration of UM opportunities and beyond.