The Peer Mentor program is an exciting program whose purpose is to create a community for undeclared students. It’s an opportunity for current undeclared students to meet with former undeclared students with the goal of sharing their major declaration story. This includes what worked for them, what didn’t work, challenges, and successes. The idea is that there is hope that every University Studies student will declare a major that’s a good fit for them. Furthermore, by hearing someone else’s story, each student will feel empowered and motivated to actively participate in their own journey.
Peer Mentors participate in an intense training where they learn communication skills, policies, resource referral, and understand the resources available to undeclared students. They are a guide, a non-judgmental listener, a supporter, an encourager, and a resource.
To learn more, contact your advisor, or Tracy Malz at tlk@temple.edu.
Meet the Peer Mentors
Tracy Malz, Program Director
Tracy Malz is the Peer Mentor Program Director. Tracy has supervised the Peer Mentors since the program was developed and is excited to get you connected to a Peer Mentor that can support you in your journey. Please contact Tracy and she will refer you to a Peer Mentor!
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Kaitlyn Bellizia, Marketing
Last names A-Cam
Kaitlyn Bellizia is a transfer student in the Fox School of Business working towards a BBA in Marketing. After graduating from a small school in Freeland, Pennsylvania called MMI Preparatory School, Kaitlyn completed her freshman year of college studying Theatre Arts at Point Park University in Pittsburgh before deciding to transfer to Temple. Aside from her studies, Kaitlyn is also a member of the Iota Chi chapter of Alpha Xi Delta at Temple University, and she works part-time serving coffee at the Saxby’s on Liacouras Walk!
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Ava Derago, Psychology
Last names Can-Da
Ava is a Psychology major. Ava says what she wishes she knew as a Freshman is... "You are not alone! There are many other students in the same boat as you. Finding the right path is not easy but with some guidance you will find your way. Temple has so many programs that are designed to help you so take advantage of them."
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Sydnee Emory, Art Therapy
Last names Dab-G
Sydnee Emory is an Art Therapy major. She came to Temple University undecided. At first she felt very confused and scared as wasn't 100% sure what she wanted to do. Her advisor suggested taking some exploratory classes, which allowed Sydnee to explore all her potential interests. Also with the help of research, she learned which subject(s) she enjoys the most. In her case, subjects such as Art, psychology, and children. Combining all those aspects, it led her to declare her major in Art Therapy.
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Isabella Mayo, Biology
Last names H-K
Isabella Mayo is a senior biology major at Temple. She is also a member of the Temple Tappers, Temple University’s tap dance team. After graduation, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in Genetic Counseling. Outside of school, Isabella enjoys reading, thrifting, and hanging out with friends. Isabella is very excited to be a peer mentor and looks forward to helping others find a major that is the right fit for them!
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Renae Pangan, Supply Chain Management
Last names L-Mur
Renae is a Junior at the Fox School of Business as a Supply Chain Major with a minor in Management Information Systems (MIS). She is the Director of Membership for Temple University Supply Chain Association (TUSCA) and a Career Peer Advisor for CSPD. A big lesson she learned from her time being undeclared is that it's okay to feel lost and there's no deadline for finding what path is best for you. She is excited to help incoming students find their place at Temple.
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Amy Richards, Communication Studies
Last names Mus-Ste
Amy is a senior with a major in Communication Studies and a certificate in Stage Management. She is very involved in her sorority Delta Phi Epsilon. In her free time, Amy loves to play video games and Dungeons & Dragons!
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Aissata Sy, Africology & African American Studies
Last names Su-Z
Aissata is a rising junior in the College of Liberal Arts. She is majoring in Africology & African American Studies. A fun fact about Aissata is that she is left-handed, but she plays badminton actively with both hands!
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