Balancing LIFE
Balancing LIFE (Learning, Independence, Friendship, Empowerment) is a peer mentorship program housed under the USC Office of Student Accessibility Services (OSAS) aimed at enhancing the social experience, academic success, and sense of community among students registered with OSAS. Balancing LIFE starts every fall semester (August) and runs until the end of spring semester (May).
Both mentees and mentors will be USC students registered with OSAS. Mentors will receive specialized training as a mentor at the beginning of the fall semester. Individual circumstances may vary, but generally, mentees will meet one-on-one with their mentors biweekly, for 30 min-1 hour at a time. Within the mentorship relationship, both the mentor and mentee will identify areas of interest or concern to explore over the course of each semester. Topics may include communication and interpersonal skills (e.g., advocating for support when communicating with faculty and staff), increased involvement in on-campus activities, and how to best utilize USC resources.
To help us develop the best program possible, both mentees and mentors will be asked to complete questionnaires throughout their involvement.
Objectives:
Balancing Life is a peer mentoring service grounded in best practices that strives to:
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- promote student wellness, life balance, and self-efficacy
- increase self-advocacy
- foster a sense of community
- support social integration and feelings of inclusivity on campus
For more information regarding the peer mentor program, contact the OSAS Front Desk.