TRIO Student Support Services - Disabilities
Mentoring and Peer Support (M.A.P.S.) Program
The Mentoring and Peer Support (M.A.P.S.) program is a mentoring program housed within TRIO SSS-D to help the needs of students who experience challenges with executive functioning, in particular, students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The program is made up of volunteer peer mentors, who must be a third or fourth year Fresno State student, who play a vital role in providing support towards students with disabilities. Peer mentors meet with their paired student mentee at least one hour per week to help their mentee learn to socialize, navigate around campus, understand/thrive in college life, and overall lend a helping hand and listening ear! The mentee position is geared towards students with ASD, however, all students who are receiving accommodations from Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) are encouraged to apply to M.A.P.S. as a mentee if they feel a mentor will benefit them!
M.A.P.S. offers students with disabilities individualized coaching to help guide them through campus life and have the best experience possible. Program participants are expected to commit for one academic year (Fall and Spring). Being a peer mentee gives students the opportunity to:
- Improve communication, collaboration, and socialization skills
- Encourage participation
- Gain guidance and support from an experienced peer mentor
- Build self-esteem
M.A.P.S. offers academic workshops and monthly social events that give students the opportunity to become more comfortable socializing and building relationships in a safe environment. Some social events include the Back to School Social, Monster Bowling, Campus Scavenger Hunt, Friendsgiving, and Winter Wonderland. For more information on upcoming social events, view the Google Calendar on the TRIO SSS-D home page.
To apply to become a M.A.P.S. Mentee, complete and submit the Student Mentor Application and Interest Form to trio_sssd@mail.fresnostate.edu
Peer mentors provide support to students in a variety of ways including promoting self-advocacy on campus, encouraging extracurricular activities, emphasizing academic priorities, peer networking, and more! Program participants are expected to commit for one academic year (Fall and Spring). Being a peer mentor allows students to:
- Gain leadership and learning experiences
- Expand professional knowledge
- Network
- Obtain a letter of recommendation/reference
M.A.P.S. offers mentors a certificate signed off by the TRIO SSS-D Director and M.A.P.S. Specialist. Attend 5 workshops provided by M.A.P.S. to earn your certificate! Workshops include Resources on CSU Fresno Campus, Basic Understanding of ASD, Assistive Technology, and more!
To apply to become a M.A.P.S. Peer Mentor, complete and submit the Student Mentor Application and Interest Form to trio_sssd@mail.fresnostate.edu.
Interested in becoming a mentee/mentor? Contact the M.A.P.S. Specialist directly or TRIO SSS-D at trio_sssd@mail.fresnostate.edu for more information!