We aim to retain every student and provide them with the tools to navigate their social, academic, professional, and personal lives.

The goal of the Wave Makers Peer Mentor Program is to pair incoming first-year students and new transfer students with upper-class student mentors who serve as coaches, role models, advisers, guides, and referral agents to facilitate transitioning into Tulane collegiate life. The peer-to peer model program promotes and facilitates student interaction and provides opportunities for students to connect and form strong academic relationships, share knowledge, and work together to succeed in college. Furthermore, peer mentors provide personalized and sensitive support for academic, personal, and social development.

Program History

The Peer Program was developed in 1986 as part of a retention program for students of color. Today, the Wave Makers Peer Mentors Program is open to all students, but still focuses predominantly on students of color and or LGBTIQA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and questioning, and asexual people and allies). The program has been effective in promoting academic success, personal development, campus leadership, and civic engagement.

Benefits for Mentees

Increased academic achievement with a greater support system
Increased social confidence
Opportunity to learn from the experience of others
Gain a greater feeling of connection to school and peers
Make new friends across age groups
Become more empowered to make decisions
Gain practical advice that is academic and non-academically related

Benefits for Mentors

Improved reasoning skills
Improved communication and personal skills
Increased self-esteem and confidence
Increased empathy
Improved conflict resolution skills
Enhanced resume or curriculum vitae
A sense of intrinsic fulfillment and personal growth