Big Sibling Program

Every year, a select group of Honors College students apply to be Big Siblings to incoming Honors College freshmen. Each Big Sibling is grouped with a few incoming freshmen and introduced during New Seawolf Welcome Week. Over the course of the academic year, the Big Siblings act as a resource for their incoming Honors College freshmen, "Little Siblings", and they help to ease the college transition. The Honors College is truly a family and the Big Sibling Program welcomes new Honors College students with open arms!

Learn more!

• Responsibilities

  Big Sibling Responsibilities

  Big Siblings play a crucial role in helping new Honors College students transition into the Stony Brook University community throughout their first academic year, including during key events like New Seawolf Welcome Week.

  As a Big Sibling, you will be expected to:

  • • Participate in Big Sibling Training: Attend a mandatory virtual training session on Tuesday, August 20th, from 11 am - 1 pm to prepare for your role.

    • Commit for the Academic Year: Serve as a supportive mentor for the entire 2024-2025 academic year, building a lasting connection with your Little Sibling.

    • Engage Proactively with Little Siblings

            First Month (August/September): Meet with your Little Sibling at least twice in person to build rapport and help them settle in.

  Regular Check-ins: After the first month, maintain regular communication and agree on future meeting arrangements based on availability and preferences.

  Final Month (April/May): Meet at least twice in person as your Little completes their first year, considering if you’d like to transition to an informal mentorship for the future.

  Be Accessible and Responsive: Promptly respond to communications from the Honors College team and your Little Sibling, assisting with questions or referrals to campus resources as needed.

  Participate in Mentor Events: Act as a mentor during the University Honors Programs’ “Mentor Mingle” event in Fall 2024, a collaborative networking opportunity for Honors College, University Scholars, and WISE students. The date will be provided later.

  Volunteer for Key Honors Events:

  Admitted Students Day Panelist (Spring/April): Share your insights with prospective students as a panelist.

  Honors College and Community Welcome Events (August): Assist with welcoming new students during New Seawolf Welcome Week.

  Host a Meet-and-Greet: Schedule a brief meeting with first-year students to answer questions and share your Honors College experience.

• Qualifications

  Qualifications to Be a Big Sibling Mentor

  • • Commitment to Helping New Honors College Students: A genuine desire to assist incoming students in their transition to Stony Brook University and the Honors College.
    • Self-Motivated and Positive Attitude: A proactive, enthusiastic approach to supporting your peers and fostering a welcoming environment.
    • Strong Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional ability to communicate and connect with others, including those from diverse backgrounds.
    • Reliable and Responsive: Timely in responding to communications from the Honors College and Little Siblings (emails, event invitations, etc.).
    • Eligibility for All Students: Both residential and commuter students are welcome and encouraged to apply!

   

  Additional Requirements

  • • Academic Standing: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing by tenure (not credit) at the start of the Fall semester.
    • Good Standing with the University and Honors College: Must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA (both semester and cumulative) and be in good academic and disciplinary standing.
    • Dependable and Punctual: Reliable with commitments, including regular check-ins and meetups with Little Siblings.
    • Knowledgeable and Honest: Willingness to share accurate, helpful information about Stony Brook University, the Honors College, campus resources, and student life with new students.
• Benefits

  As a Big Sibling, the Honors College Mentoring Program provides the opportunity to:

  • • Make a Meaningful Impact: Serve as a trusted guide and support for new Honors College students, helping to shape a positive college experience for incoming peers.
    • Strengthen Leadership and Mentorship Skills: Gain hands-on experience in mentorship, enhancing leadership abilities, interpersonal communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
    • Expand Your Network: Connect with faculty, staff, and fellow students, broadening both your academic and social horizons at Stony Brook University.
    • Build Lasting Friendships: Develop meaningful, lasting friendships with students who share your interests and goals.
    • Represent with Honors College Swag: Show your pride with exclusive Honors College apparel and items as a Big Sibling mentor!
• Application & Selection Process

  The application period is now closed. Check back soon for furture opportunities! 

  If you have questions about mentoring opportunities, please reach out to us via email honorscollege@stonybrook.edu

   

Fellows Mentor Program

The Fellows Mentor Program  at Stony Brook University's Honors Programs is designed to provide peer support and leadership opportunities for experienced students within the Honors College, University Scholars, and WISE communities. 

Fellows (or peer mentors) assist instructors in teaching our Introductory 101 course, a course typically aimed at first-year students to introduce them to the values, expectations, and opportunities within the Honors Programs. Fellows serve as role models and guides, sharing their experiences and helping new students acclimate to college life.

Learn More!

• Responsibilities
  • Support HON 101 Instructors: Assist in class discussions, facilitate group activities, and provide feedback to students.
  • Mentor First-Year Students: Offer advice on academics, campus life, and resources to help students succeed.
  • Promote Community Building: Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment within the classroom.
• Benefits
  • Develop Leadership Skills: Guide discussions, facilitate activities, and take on a classroom leadership role.
  • Gain Mentorship Experience: Support first-year students in their transition to college life.
  • Enhance Communication: Build public speaking, active listening, and interpersonal skills.
  • Boost Your Resume: Showcase your initiative, responsibility, and mentorship experience.
  • Strengthen Connections: Network with faculty, staff, and peers while deepening your involvement in the Honors Program.
  • Master Time Management: Balance mentoring responsibilities with academics to improve organization skills.
  • Make a Difference: Positively impact first-year students' college experience.
• Eligibility

  To become a Fellows Mentor for Honors Programs 101 classes, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a current student in the Honors College, University Scholars, or WISE Honors Program.
  • Maintain good academic and disciplinary standing with the university and their respective Honors Program.
  • Have a minimum semester and cumulative GPA of 3.0.
  • Demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills.
  • Be motivated to assist first-year students and contribute to their successful transition to Stony Brook University.