Center for Student Diversity
Programs & Services
The Mosaic Buddy Mentoring Program Courageous Conversations T.E.A.M Diversity Peer Educators
The Mosaic Buddy Mentoring Program We recognize that the needs of US minority and international students are both similar to those of any other students and just as often different. In an effort to provide a supportive atmosphere for our new students, so that they will have a positive academic and social experience at the Mount, we have developed the Mosaic Buddy Mentoring Program for our incoming US minority and international students. While students who opt to participate in this mentoring program are highly encouraged to establish meaningful connections with one another through several sponsored social activities and other means, the primary objective is to create a forum for minority and international students to connect, interact, and support each other, while developing a sense of belonging with the entire campus community. The Mosaic Buddy mentors are veteran students who know the “ins” and “outs” of the Mount, and are willing to help others by fostering a big brother/big sister relationship with their assigned mosaic buddy to help them during their first year transition to the university. The benefits of this program are valuable for both mentors and mentees. Students participate in various fun-filled, free activities and events throughout the year. They meet new friends; learn and experience the mentoring relationship; having the opportunity to become a mentor later. 
Germain Bryant ’05 (Left) and Patrick Atangana ‘04’05 Germain Bryant, from Clinton, Maryland, found he was not alone at the Mount the day he met Patrick Atangana, Finance major from Douala, Cameroon, Africa.
(Germain Bryant):“When I first got here I was apprehensive (but) the Mosaic Buddy Program automatically gives you somebody to talk to; you don’t feel alone. Patrick was the first person I met here, and talking to Patrick, I realized I might as well take the world by storm because no one’s going to do it for me. Every time I talk to him, he genuinely wants to know how I’m doing. He gives advice and really cares.” 
Angela Jones ’07 (left) and Aba Assiaw-Dufu ‘08
Student Quote (Aba Assiaw-dufu):
In regard to the Mosaic Mentoring Program, Aba said, “the first time I came to this school I had someone to talk to about almost anything. I have a great relationship with Angie, because she is very honest, kind, patient, very nice and a great dancer.”
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T.E.A.M. Diversity Peer Educators
Teaching Everyone About Multiculturalism
What is a T.E.A.M. Diversity Peer Educator?
Do I have to be a minority to be a Diversity Peer Educator?
What is the Diversity Peer Educator Program?
Are Diversity Peer Educators trained?
When are training dates for Diversity Peer Educators?
What will the Diversity Peer Training entail?
How many Diversity Peer Educators are needed for Mix It Up?
How can faculty participate?
Is there compensation for being a Diversity Peer Educator?
What benefits are there for me to be a Diversity Peer Educator?
Do I have to know anything about diversity to be in SPIRIT @ the Mount Program or a Diversity Peer Educator?
What does it take to be a Diversity Peer Educator?
What opportunities exist for Diversity Peer Educators?
What is the criteria for Diversity Peer Educators?
How do I sign up to be a T.E.A.M. Diversity Peer Educator?
What is a T.E.A.M. Diversity Peer Educator? A T.E.A.M. Diversity Peer Educator (DPE) is a trained and certified undergraduate student knowledgeable on issues of diversity affecting the Mount, the community and society as a whole. They are personable students who collaborate to offer programs and other services to the Mount community from a peer to peer standpoint. Do I have to be a minority to be a T.E.A.M. Diversity Peer Educator? Absolutely not! We expect participation from 10 diverse students of the Mount, including all ethnic groups if at all possible. When looking to spread the word of diversity and assist students in creating a place that is not only accepting but realistic, we seek a student group who is multicultural in their opinions and in their appearance. There is no particular number of students that we seek from each ethnic group however we hope to have at least 1 peer educator who represents each ethnic group here at the Mount. What is the Diversity Peer Educator Program? The Diversity Peer Educator Program is designed to encourage students to dialogue with each other on the importance of diversity at the Mount. Peer Educators are undergraduate students, who have been trained by the Center for Intercultural Development as well as other offices on campus to facilitate these dialogues. Peer Educators will provide basic information, define terms, test myths and correct misunderstandings, and encourage other students to explore how their lives are enriched by our human diversity. Students are encouraged by the Diversity Peer Educators to step out of their comfort zones by “mixing it up” and venturing into the world of the varied student groups at the Mount and in the surrounding community. Together, students and the Diversity Peer Educators will engage in discussions on how they can personally contribute to the creation of a campus environment that is both welcoming to everyone, and inclusive of the diverse students on our campus. Are Diversity Peer Educators trained? Yes, Diversity Peer Educators will go through 25 hours of training before they are certified to instruct workshops and training at Mount St. Mary's University. Training is instructed by selected Mount St. Mary's University faculty, staff and administrators on a range of topics. Outside facilitators and guests also assist with training. When are training dates for Diversity Peer Educators? Mandatory training for Diversity Peer Educators will held Friday, October 5, 2007 - Sunday, October 7, 2007 at Mount Saint Mary's University All material(s) will be supplied, free of charge. What will the Diversity Peer Training entail? Training will entail the following: An overview of social justice Understanding the history of Mix It Up Overview of the diversity Understanding the art of facilitation Simulation Certification Evaluation
How many Diversity Peer Educators are needed for Mix It Up? We are looking for 10 Diversity Peer Educators for our entire DPE program. Diversity Peer Educators can pair up or create teams to facilitator Mix It Up Dialogues. DPE are also in charge of various programming and student activity facilitation. How can faculty participate? Because our purpose is to create a cooperative experience for the Mount students, we are not asking faculty to facilitate any of the Diversity Peer Dialogues (i.e. Mix It Up). Faculty are welcome to attend any of the open sessions hosted by the Diversity Peer Educators throughout the year. Is there compensation for being a Diversity Peer Educator? There is no monetary compensation for being a Diversity Peer Educator however there are a host of other valuable and educational benefits. What benefits are there for me to be a Diversity Peer Educator? By being a Diversity Peer Educator, there are a host of great opportunities out there, such as: Be a part of an exceptional group of trained and certified Mount students Become versed on topics of social justice and diversity Develop skills in public speaking, presentation and work shop facilitation Serve as an ambassador of diversity at the Mount Equip your peers with the tools to create a more inclusive campus Fill your resume!!! Meet new people Be a part of this new and unique peer program at the Mount Be a role model Train others to be Diversity Peer Educators Did we mention—Great resume booster Attend area workshops and conferences at minimal costs to develop further skills.
Do I have to know anything about diversity to be in SPIRIT @ the Mount Program or a Diversity Peer Educator? No diversity training is necessary! All that we ask is that you come with an open mind, to learn about all of the material we have to offer, an open heart to receive the information but also share feedback about your experiences, background and other knowledge and a passion for action, meaning you are in the business of getting down to business and you are ready for progressive change in the Mount community. We will do the rest to train you. What does it take to be a Diversity Peer Educator? In order to be a TEAM Diversity Peer Educator, you must have the following qualifications: Be in good academic standing with the University A minimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA Have strong oral and written communications skills Currently a sophomore, junior or senior Exhibit a commitment to diversity Display a willingness to learn more about topics and issues of diversity Have a willingness to enhance presentation skills Complete the Diversity Educator application online Complete an interview Attend all fall training sessions Be available during the summer, fall and spring for workshop opportunities (you will know of summer dates in advance) Have completed the Student Leadership Certification Program (or will complete the semester following hiring)
What opportunities exist for Diversity Peer Educators? Peer Educators are responsible for hosting the following: Facilitating Mix It Up Dialogues (6/semester) Facilitate Diversity Training for Mount Student Organizations (SGA, Resident Assistants, Orientation, etc.) Facilitate Diversity Activities at the Mount (New Student Orientation, Back to School Week, etc.) Assist in developing a diversity pledge for the Mount Co-Facilitate with CID SAC to sponsor Diversity Programming (Film Screenings, Cultural Conversations, Socials)
What is the criteria for Diversity Peer Educators?
In order to remain a Diversity Peer Educator, you must agree to comply with the following:
- Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Read your emails regularly, and respond in a timely manner
- Be responsible for getting relevant materials and information
- Maintain current contact information with CID
- Adhere to your agreements and commitments
- If you cannot attend a meeting, agree to contact Director for the Center for Intercultural Development or the Student Coordinator of DPE via telephone/email in advance, unless you are prohibited from doing so
There are no exceptions to this. Unwillingness to honor these agreements will result in your suspension from the team.
How do I sign up to be a TEAM Diversity Peer Educator? Click here to download the PDF Application for the TEAM Diversity Peer Educator. Complete and return to the Center for Intercultural Development by Monday, September 10, 2007.
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For more information on any of these programs or services, please contact the Center for Intercultural Development at 301-447-5720. | 
