Clemson Student Disability Services creates Tiger 2 Tiger mentoring program

Published: January 24, 2013

By Raquel Cobb

CLEMSON — Clemson University’s Student Disability Services has formed a peer mentor program for students interested in building academic relationships with students having the same or similar diagnoses.

Tiger 2 Tiger is aimed at enhancing academic skills and personal relationships and providing a more inclusive environment for students who have documented disabilities. The mentors for the 2012-2013 academic year include: recent graduate Meghan Goodwin of Columbia; biology major Marty Mason of Clemson; animal and veterinary sciences major Erika Pisik of Syracuse, N.Y.; history major Logan Roberts of Easley; Robert Blackburn, of Salem; and recent Clemson graduates Sutton Fain Schwartz of Clemson and Jeff Dubé of Cary, N.C.

The peer mentor program was established in response to a survey given to newly enrolled students in the fall 2011 semester. Responses revealed that students desired help transitioning to the university setting. The survey also highlighted a need for students to have opportunities to consult with upperclassmen about the accessibility of academic support services, study areas and the teaching styles of professors.

Tiger 2 Tiger mentors are self-motivated individuals, inspired by their personal experiences at Clemson.

“This program lends the opportunity for students with disabilities to build a sense of security and to connect with others who have experienced similar feelings as they have,” said Pisik.

“The Tiger 2 Tiger mentoring program establishes a comfortable environment by having someone they identify with and who understands the ins and outs of daily life as a Clemson student,” added Schwartz.

Tiger 2 Tiger advisers Arlene Stewart, director of Student Disability Services, and Dede Norungolo, disability specialist, also work to encourage students to reach out in a less formal way to address such topics as ADHD and learning disability issues, learning strategies, appropriate documentation for services, memory strategies and social support.

“Oftentimes a student only gets to interact with me and Dede in our offices during initial in-take sessions or during set appointments,” said Stewart. “By having a presence through Tiger 2 Tiger, we are encouraging students to interact with us in a less rigid and structured format.”

Tiger 2 Tiger mentors are registered Student Disability Services students who have experiences in topical areas they wish to share with other interested students. Tiger 2 Tiger mentors are available via email and during in-person office hours by appointment. For more information, visit the website.

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