Jump Start
The Jump Start program at Slippery Rock University is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment for first-year and first-semester transfer students as they navigate the academic and social transition to college. As a year-long, peer mentor-based program, Jump Start serves all students, with a special emphasis on individuals from underserved populations, ensuring equitable access to resources, guidance, and community. Through meaningful peer connections and early engagement opportunities, the program helps students build lasting friendships, become familiar with college life before classes begin, and establish strong relationships with faculty and staff across campus.
Jump Start is committed to providing continuous support through peer mentors, graduate assistants, and the Office for Inclusive Excellence, equipping students with the confidence, skills, and sense of belonging necessary to thrive throughout their first year and beyond.
How Does It Work?
The program begins with Jump Start Week (Monday evening through Thursday afternoon) where participants learn about campus resources, interact with faculty and staff members, and engage in fun activities alongside their peers. Early housing costs are covered by the Office for Inclusive Excellence and three meals a day will be provided until the student's meal plan activates. Attendance at Jump Start week is a key part of the program as it allows students to develop bonds with their peers and establish goals with their peer mentor. Students interested in participating in Jump Start are required to attend Jump Start week and be in attendance at each event throughout.
Mentors and mentees are matched by similar interests or by major and serve as a continuous point of contact to provide support, information, encouragement, and guidance throughout the mentee’s first year. Mentors are trained in peer mentoring best practices and work closely with our graduate assistants and assistant director to ensure that any student concerns are handled in an appropriate and timely manner.
The mentor/mentee relationship is integral to the Jump Start experience because mentors can share first-hand accounts of their experiences and help first-year students normalize their hopes, concerns, or fears of college. Additionally, mentors can teach students how to utilize campus resources, help them understand campus policies, and provide insight on academic success in their major.
In addition to weekly mentor meetings, there are monthly Transition Series workshops that focuses on transitional challenges first-year college students face—such as time management, study skills, self-care, professional networking, and more.