Transitioning to college can be challenging for first-year students. We’re proud to say that road is substantially easier for CBE first-year students, though, thanks to the dedicated support of our H.A.W.K.S. Peer Mentors.
H.A.W.K.S. Peer Mentors are a group of 26 sophomore, junior, and senior leaders from the CBE who have committed to help make our first-year students’ start as smooth as possible. The mission of Helping Advise Willing & Keen Students (H.A.W.K.S.) Peer Mentor Program is to connect CBE first-year or transfer students to the CBE and help them acclimate to every aspect of Lehigh University. This yearlong program provides mentees with an early understanding of the University’s academic and social atmosphere, helps address transitional issues, and builds a personal connection between first-year students and CBE students with more advanced standing.
All first-year business students are assigned a H.A.W.K.S. Peer Mentor who has a cohort of mentees with similar academic interests. Peer Mentors arrange individual and group meetings with their assigned mentees and participate in team-building activities, including interactive group events and topical discussions.
This summer, all first-year students will receive an email from their H.A.W.K.S. Peer Mentor before the student arrives on campus for orientation. Here are some reflections past H.A.W.K.S. shared to give first-year students a sense of what to expect from the H.A.W.K.S. this coming year:
“H.A.W.K.S. is a great opportunity for first-year students to make connections with upperclassmen while also allowing them to ask any of the questions that they may have. H.A.W.K.S. will create more unity amongst the different years and majors within CBE. The program will be especially important for freshmen during times such as the first round of Four o'clock Exams and Registration” – Kaitlyn McCollian, accounting major/Spanish and real estate minors.
“I think the H.A.W.K.S mentor program is a great way to help first-year students get to know the business school. I am very excited to act as a resource for them and help them prepare for their future career after the program. I am willing to share my experiences and help first-year students find the area of study that best interests them.” – Yuanqing “Vicky” Liu, accounting and finance majors.
“The H.A.W.K.S. Peer Mentor program is going to be a very useful resource for first-year students as they learn to navigate Lehigh. Having a fellow student who is available at all times to answer any concerns and questions will help students not feel overwhelmed and stressed out. I am very excited for the upcoming year because the H.A.W.K.S. Peer Mentorship gives me a chance to help students succeed at Lehigh.” - Ashish Erasani, finance and accounting majors.
Please join us in thanking our H.A.W.K.S. Peer Mentors for their commitment to ensure the newest members of our CBE Community get off to a great start.
