The College of Health Sciences is looking for student leaders who will help foster the continued success of our college and support our current and first-year students. The CHS Ambassadors and CHS PATHfinder Peer Mentors are now accepting applications. Both groups, while having separate responsibilities, work together to create a sense of community for pre-professional healthcare students in the Lexington area and on our campus. Please see the below information to decide which group would be the best fit for you!
| Ambassadors | PATHfinders Peer Mentors | |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose |
The CHS Ambassadors serves and assists the College of Health Sciences with prospective students, current students, and alumni. Ambassadors educate and engage the community as well as the University in planned social, philanthropic and education activities as it relates to the College’s mission and vision. Ambassadors will also be mentoring local highschoolers to create a sense of belonging within the pre-healthcare professions. |
The PATHfinder Program consists of a compassionate community of mentors that are focused on fostering personal growth, and creating a sense of community for first year students in the College of Health Sciences. PATHfinders mentors are professional, trustworthy friends and positive role models focused on fostering independence for students throughout their first year and beyond. Each mentor will work with a specific group of mentees all year. |
| Classroom activities | CLM 480-004 is a 2 credit hour course with a weekly 1 hour of instruction that provides space for ambassadors to get to know and interact with each other, learn leadership skills, help plan and implement activities throughout the year. | CLM 480-002 is a 3 credit hour course with a weekly 1 hour of instruction that provides a space for mentors to get to know each other, learn about best mentoring practices, reflect on their connections with their mentees, and help plan and implement the Summer Bridge Project. |
| Engagement activities and responsibilities | Ambassadors are required to complete several recruitment events throughout the semester, organize and participate in National Health Professions Week, and participate in fundraising activities to support the Ambassador Scholarship. | Mentors are required to be in contact with their assigned mentees each week. In the Fall, Peer Mentors will be paired to a CHS Introductory Course to attend each week to better connect with their mentees and encourage success of first-year students in CHS. In the Spring, Peer Mentors will attend and facilitate Merit Weekend activities in conjunction with CHS Advisors. Participation in Summer Orientations are encouraged, but optional. |
| Time commitment each week | Class time: 1 hour Outside: ~ 2-3 hours |
Class time: 1 hour Outside: ~ 2-3 hours |
Summer Bridge Mission Statement
The College of Health Sciences Summer Bridge Program is focused on empowering rising first-year students to excel academically, socially, and professionally as they transition into college and form connections. Our goal is to create a unique environment where students feel a sense of belonging, have meaningful engagement with peers, and foster relationships with faculty that continue well past the bridge week through their entire educational journey.