The English Peer Mentoring Program
Introducing the English Peer Mentor Program
The English Peer Mentoring Program is committed to providing a welcoming environment for incoming students with an interest in literature and literary study. We believe one of the best ways to support students new to the university – first-year, transfer, & first-generation college students – is through peer-to-peer connection. Through social events, informational programming, and mentorship, we support academic and personal endeavors, provide information about resources, and help cultivate strong social connections. We aim to motivate student involvement in the major, maximize connection to the campus community, and enrich the college experience of students with a passion for literature. Accessibility and inclusivity are at the forefront of our mission. We hope to shape an intellectual and emotional space rooted in belonging.
What We Do
We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for incoming students with an interest in literature and literary study. Our undergraduate peer mentors share a passion for providing help, guidance, and community for fellow undergraduates, particularly those who may struggle with navigating or feeling they “belong” in a university setting–you don’t need to be a declared English major to benefit from our program!
Throughout the quarter we will host several social and informational events to help connect current and prospective English majors to each other and extend the opportunities the major has to offer. For more information, or to join our listserv, email us at ucsbenglishpeermentors@gmail.com
Our peer mentor team will also offer “office hours” where you can ask any questions you have about the major, available opportunities, research goals, personal goals, concerns, and more!
Meet the Team
All office hours are listed for Fall 2021 — please contact mentors individually for their Zoom links, and to make appointments.
For more information, or to join our listserv, email us at ucsbenglishpeermentors@gmail.com
Lead Mentors
Nakisa Shojaie (she/her/hers) — nakisa@ucsb.edu
Office Hours: 11:00-12:00 pm, T/Th (Zoom)
Karla Villarreal (she/her/ella) — karlavillarreal@ucsb.edu
Office Hours: 2:00-3:00 pm M/W (Zoom, In-person by request)
Peer Mentor Team
Rayanne Asunción (she/her/hers) — asuncion@ucsb.edu
Office Hours: 12:00-1:00pm M/T (Zoom, in-person by request)
Leila Kalliel (she/her/hers) — leilakalliel@ucsb.edu
Office Hours: 1:00-2:00 pm T/TH (Zoom link)
Emily Kissinger (she/her/hers) — emilyrkissinger@umail.ucsb.edu
Office Hours: 4:00-5:00pm T/Th (Zoom)
Naomi Magana (she/her/hers) — nmagana@ucsb.edu
Office Hours: 5:00-6:00pm W/F (Zoom)
Bridget Rios (she/they) — bridgetrios@umail.ucsb.edu
Office Hours: 5:00-6:00pm T/Th (Zoom– schedule a meeting here)
Karlie Smith (she/her/hers) — karliensmith@umail.ucsb.edu
Office Hours: 4:00-5:00pm M/W (Zoom)
Jeremiyah White (he/him) — m_white@ucsb.edu
Office Hours: 1:00-3:00pm Monday (Zoom, in-person by appt)
12:00-1:00pm, 2:00-3:00pm Tuesday (Zoom, in-person by appt)
Kevin Young (he/him) — kevin_young@ucsb.edu
Office Hours: 11:00am-12:00pm, 6:00-7:00pm, Friday (Zoom)
Faculty/Graduate Advisors
Office hours by appointment
Prof. James Kearney (he/him), Faculty Advisor — kearney@english.ucsb.edu
Rebecca “Baker” Baker (they/she), Graduate Fellow — rrbaker@ucsb.edu
Thomas Huff (he/him), English Undergraduate Advisor — thomashuff@ucsb.edu