CSP Peer Mentors are trained neurotypical undergraduates who engage with CSP students, staff, and other Peer Mentors regularly. They are a critical part of our program. Click here to watch our video and learn more about being a CSP Peer Mentor!
The CSP areas of focus are to:
- Ease the student's transition to college life
- Assist students in becoming more independent, confident individuals
- Facilitate the development of a social support system, communication and independent living skills
- Decrease isolation/separation in a university environment
- Provide useful and immediate feedback leading to improvements in personal relationships
A CSP Peer Mentor's role is:
- Provide support
- Be a good role model - socially and academically
- Be patient and consistent
- Praise students' efforts and good performance
- Meet weekly with student(s) and stay in touch via phone and email
- Maintain regular contact with the CSP Coordinators
- Attend a mandatory monthly training meeting (may be held virtually or in-person)
- Complete and submit weekly reports to the CSP Coordinators, recording activities and hours spent with student-match(es)
- Attend at least one mandatory CSP social event/month (may include being a virtual host)
Optional/When appropriate, assists with:
- Academic development
- Sharing critical knowledge/personal experiences
- Contacting campus clubs/programs, facilities, services
- Participating in introductory sessions for new/prospective students and families
- Speaking about the CSP at presentations to Campus Partners
For additional information or questions not addressed here or in our FAQs, please email our CSP Peer Mentor Executive Board at csp-pmboard@gsapp.rutgers.edu.
CSP PEER MENTOR APPLICATION 2025-2026
Zully Delgado, Graduate Student Coordinator, majoring in social work, Class of 2023:
“My time at CSP as a Graduate Student Coordinator was rewarding. I reflect back on not only the relationships with my students, but also the educational experience I received from the CSP team. With their help, I was able to guide my students and empower them to align their actions with their goals.”
Our Peer Mentors play an enormous role in the experience of students enrolled in CSP. The individuals below have exemplified extraordinary leadership and comprise our Peer Mentor Executive E-Board, which includes the following positions: Co-Presidents, Treasurer, Secretary, Academic Liaison, Event Planner, and Social Events Chair. We invite you to meet our current and past Peer Mentor e-Board members and read their heartfelt testimonials about what the CSP has given back to them!
2024-2025's CSP E-Board
My name is Nicole Lancia and I am a rising junior majoring in Biological Sciences on the Pre-Med track. I began my journey here with the College Support Program at the beginning of my sophomore year by serving as a peer mentor and witnessing the impact it has on our students is what truly sparked my dedication and passion for the program. Whether it was meeting with my mentee or assisting with research, the RCAAS quickly became my second home as I typically spent almost everyday there. With the invaluable experiences I have been granted so far, I am beyond grateful to now serve as President for the College Support Program. As President, I aim to continue to strengthen and grow the positive influences this program has to offer for our students. I strive to create an inclusive environment and I am committed to ensuring the support and success of our students. I cannot express how privileged I am to be a part of such a strong e-board and team and I cannot wait for the upcoming year!
My name is Sidhika and I am a Junior majoring in Biology at the School of Arts and Sciences. I joined the College Support Program for my Sophomore year, and over time, the CSP has become a significant part of my college experience. Through the program, I have met many new people and built meaningful connections. Being a peer mentor has allowed me to play a role in the CSP community and has helped me learn more about ASD. The monthly events hosted are warm and welcoming and have been so much fun to attend! I am looking forward to being Vice President for this year and continuing to make many more memories with the CSP.
My name is Yoora Rim, and I am a rising junior majoring in Biological Sciences on the pre-dental track. I learned about the College Support Program (CSP) from an HPO opportunity email, and joining as a mentor has been one of the best decisions I have made at Rutgers. Through the program, I have gained many valuable lessons and made new friends. I am especially grateful for the bond I have developed with my mentee, who has become one of my best friends. I can not wait to meet all mentors and mentees this upcoming school year and make precious memories together. I also look forward to continuing my participation as Treasurer.
My name is Alyssa Nielsen, and I am a rising senior in the School of Arts and Sciences, pursuing a degree in Linguistics with a Certificate in Speech and Hearing Sciences, along with a minor in Psychology. Discovering the College Support Program through my research on the Rutgers Center for Adults Autism Services was one of the best decisions I have made. I am thrilled to have formed a close relationship with my mentee and other mentees in the program. I look forward to serving as Secretary for the upcoming school year and getting to know both new and returning mentees and mentors better! The College Support Program has been a significant part of my college experience, providing numerous opportunities to meet incredible people. I am excited to be your Secretary for the 2024-2025 school year!
For my second year with the CSP program, I am so excited to be part of the E-Board as the Social Events Chair. As a rising junior majoring in Psychology, I have always had an interest in supporting those in the autism community. With a younger brother on the spectrum, I am looking forward to curating spaces for meaningful connection and memories for those in the program. I hope to be a familiar face for our peers, and can’t wait to bring fun events for us to enjoy!
My name is Aima Ali and I am a rising senior at the School of Arts and Sciences, majoring in psychology and minoring in education. Being a part of the CSP has been one of the highlights of my college experience. I've created lasting memories and formed meaningful friendships with both mentees and mentors. As someone pursuing a career working with neurodivergent individuals, this program has been invaluable. It has provided me with practical insights and hands-on experience essential for my future. I'm thrilled to be the academic liaison this year and can't wait to create more memories!
Have a question for an e-Board Peer Mentor? Email them at csp-pmboard@gsapp.rutgers.edu