Student support services’ ACCESS program is seeking peer mentors for intellectually challenged MSU students.
ACCESS is a transitional post-secondary educational program within Student Support Services for non-traditional college students with intellectual disabilities. According to the program’s website, “The program assists students with the full college experience, such as, extracurricular activities, clubs and other aspects of campus life.” 
Elizabeth Williams, coordinator of the Access program, said the students in the program are not admitted the same way as everyone else and have to pay more to be in the program.
“Our students are very much a part of the university; they may not meet the requirements of other students, but they flourish while being here,” Williams said. “Our students live in the residence halls, join clubs and organizations, and also have internships, they are very much an MSU Bulldog.” 
 The program provides individual support and services for the academic and social involvement of students with intellectual disabilities in academics. 
Williams said the program is geared towards helping the students learn to live more independently.
Michaela Tolleson, freshman, loves the program and loves the support she receives from her peer mentors.
“I love it, we get seven mentors… I have one (mentor) that eats lunch with me, a mentor to workout with me, and one who teaches me art,” Tolleson said. “I really like the program, the program helps me understand everything, what I need to fix or correct, they help me by breaking everything down.”
Tolleson’s biggest campus wish is to meet starting quarterback Dak Prescott. She loves everything that is Mississippi State football and hopes to meet Prescott!
Peer mentors are needed to support the program’s services. ACCESS welcomes anyone looking to fulfill required hours in education, special education, kinesiology, volunteer hours, etc.
Ruth Fowler, junior physics/ pre-med major, believes being a peer mentor is very rewarding. 
“I love building relationships, and learning how to communicate with someone with special needs,” Fowler said. “I love them, because they are different and unique, it’s really awesome to be a peer mentor.”
The Peer mentor program started with the kinesiology majors being fitness mentors. Mentors will be involved in the student’s life helping them achieve success, by encouraging them to be social and involved around campus.
“We have mentors who give art lessons, academic tutoring, meet in the union and have lunch, and social mentors,” Williams said. “Peer Mentors are really important, because making relationships is hard for anyone especially if you’re new to the campus.”  
Certain departments are giving credit hours for being a mentor. If anyone is interested in being a peer mentor, contact Williams for an application at [email protected].
Volunteers only serve one hour a week.
Mary Francis, junior and student worker, believes this program is a necessity on college campuses. 
“There are so many students coming to college now and don’t have the ‘fit and mold’ of a regular university student. Uiversities are going to have to provide a way for them to come and get an education, and MSU is providing it,” Francis said.