PLSCI 4975

Undergraduate Peer Mentoring and Leadership Development in SIPS

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

Being a club officer or a peer mentor is an opportunity to learn about leadership and collaboration, as well as communication and the challenges of balancing diverse responsibilities. Preparation in this arena can serve a student for life, from learning how to engage in the workplace to being involved in community organizations and learning responsibilities ranging from conflict management to serving as a fiscal steward. Opportunities for leadership development and growth will vary; in general, they include learning how to: foster inclusiveness and a healthy, positive social atmosphere among members and peers; respond to student concerns; communicate and collaborate effectively with staff, faculty advisors, and other faculty, staff, administrators and students; reflect on and articulate experiences with other mentors or club officers throughout the semester; and maintain the reputation, continuity and history of a Cornell organization.

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025FA, 2025SP, 2024FA, 2024SP

Outcomes

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with staff, advisors, faculty, staff, administrators and students.
• Foster inclusiveness and a healthy, positive social atmosphere among members and peers.
• Recognize the signs of students in distress and respond appropriately.
• Communicate the breadth and depth of campus resources that assist students.
• Model excellent study habits, as well as how to engage with others in collaborative settings that foster learning.
• Collaborate with other mentors or club officers to increase peer-to-peer and peer-to-university professional interactions.
• Model and articulate how mistakes and failure are a natural part of the learning process, as well as an opportunity for growth.
• Model attributes of positive mentoring, including compassion, responsiveness, integrity and confidentiality.

When Offered Fall, Spring.

Comments Students will work with the instructor prior to enrollment to discuss course credit options and associated time commitments per credit hour policy. Instructor will coordinate with department to bulk-enroll students.

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