"A sure way for one to lift himself up is by helping lift someone else."
-Booker T. Washington
Vision Statement for Akoma Circle
To create opportunities for social interactions between GMU students interested in participating with an informal, highly energized yet organized series of programs, activities, events, and outings;
To create opportunities for students to engage in conversations which share their stories and experience as students attending GMU;
To create opportunities for freshmen, transfer and upper-class students to learn about key resources at GMU from supportive sophomore, junior and senior status students who serve as mentors. (Note: Committed mentors are GMU students who are enthusiastic and sociable students committed to establishing healthy and constructive communications and interactions for participants of Akoma Circle ).
To create opportunities that encourage the development of healthy friendships among students who represent different cultural, religious, ethnic, gender and academic standing student populations.
Mission Statement of Akoma Circle
“Akoma” is an Akan term from Ghana used to describe the joining or uniting of two hearts. It is an Adinkra symbol of togetherness and unity in both thought and deed. Akoma Circle is an official GMU student-led organization that works in collaboration with the Peer Empowerment Program. The Akoma Circle pairs freshmen and transfer students with volunteer student mentors. The mentor's main goal is to help the new student with academic and social issues that he or she will face during the first year.
Objectives to Achieve the Mission of Akoma Circle :
- Hold bi-weekly meetings for both mentors and mentees designed to acquaint each with the responsibilities of their function in the role they have agreed to take on. During these meetings, mentors and mentees will establish areas of personal ownership for scheduling meetings designed to enhance their connection with each other with the intent of enhancing their personal growth and development, social interactions and improved academic performance.
- Collectively members will work to create activities that maximize opportunities for engagement and conversations that energize interpersonal and social interactions.
To become part of the Circle, Contact a Peer Counselor/Educator, or email: pepstaff@gmu.edu