Academic Peer Mentoring

APM Expectations

Important Details 

  • Academic Peer Mentoring (APM) is available to all undergraduate students via one-on-one, 50-minute sessions.
  • Sessions may be in person or online via Microsoft Teams.
  • Sessions begin at the top of the hour (e.g., 4:00 pm)
  • Students may make up to three appointments per week up to one week in advance. 

Expectations

Academic Peer Mentoring is an opportunity for students to discuss their academic goals, develop an effective study routine, and seek resources at USF. Please follow these recommendations to prepare for a productive mentoring session: 

Complete the Academic Success Center Agreement 

Bring Questions and Materials 

  • To benefit most from an APM session, please come prepared with questions you would like to discuss and any relevant materials (e.g., textbooks, course syllabi, notes, etc.). 
  • You may also share any questions/comments with your APM and upload materials as attachments through Accudemia when scheduling your session. This allows your APM to review and access these materials during your session.

Make the Most of Your Session 

  • Please be punctual and respect your APM’s time. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please use the link sent in the confirmation email as early as possible.  
  • If you do not arrive by :25 past the hour, the session may be given to another student, and you will need to reschedule.
  • If you miss more than three sessions, you will not be allowed to schedule any further sessions for the semester.
  • Keep in mind that the session time is strictly limited to 50-minutes per session. APMs will reserve the last few minutes of your session to discuss what you accomplished, set post-session goals, and schedule your next session. 

Academic Integrity 

  • APM sessions are intended to help you grow as a self-directed learner and take ownership of your individual goals.
  • Use the session as an opportunity to deepen your academic skills and identify strategies that are most effective for you.
  • APMs will not give answers to assignments or exams, but they will offer guidance on study methods and best practices. Learn more about USF Ethics and Integrity.

Prepare for Online Sessions 

  • For full functionality during the session, download the Microsoft Teams app rather than using the browser version.
  • Find or create a quiet, distraction-free space for the session. While a café may be a good place for studying, it’s not ideal for video conferencing due to background noise. If you join a session from your home or dorm, inform household members or roommates of your scheduled session time to minimize interruptions.
  • Join the online session 10 minutes before the scheduled time to ensure you're ready to start promptly. This gives you time to check your internet connection and test your microphone and camera. Watch the YouTube tutorial video to learn how to test audio and video on Microsoft Teams.
  • Have digital versions of any necessary materials prepared to share with your APM during the session (if not already shared via Accudemia).
  • We highly recommend turning on your video to enhance communication and allow your tutor to better understand your questions. While we understand that it may not always be possible due to your location, turning on your webcam leads to a smoother, more effective experience. 

 Provide Feedback to Us 

  • Your feedback is valuable in helping us improve our services to better support USF students. Please share your thoughts on your mentoring experience through the Student Feedback Survey, including what the APM did well and areas for improvement.