Organic Chemistry II is among the hardest courses universities offer, with many students struggling to pass and finding their academic support needs unmet. Recognizing this issue, Dr. Kimberly Bliss-Roche created the Peer Leading Program, where past students mentor current ones, fostering a supportive community that boosts confidence and reduces stress. Over the past four years, Peer Leading has successfully reduced the withdrawal, failure, and drop rate in participating Organic Chemistry II classes by 20 percent.

The program benefits everyone involved. Peer leaders deepen their understanding of chemistry while gaining valuable leadership skills, and students receive personalized tutoring and mentorship, essential for their success. Incredibly, Dr. Bliss-Roche built this program from the ground up without any financial compensation. It is a product of love and educative innovation.

Despite the program’s success, the University of South Florida’s chemistry department has refused to recognize the program's value. The department chair has forbidden the Peer Leading Program from counting as one of Dr. Bliss-Roche's three assigned courses in addition to refusing additional compensation for her run it as a fourth. Meanwhile, other professors in the department are fairly compensated for teaching four courses per term. 

Students invest tuition money to become peer leaders or enroll in classes supported by them, yet none of that funding goes toward sustaining the program. This is as unsustainable as it is unjust.

We are asking USF's administration to provide compensation for Dr. Bliss-Roche’s time, effort, and labor to keep Peer Leading available. Without support, she will have no choice but to discontinue the program in the spring of 2025. This would lead to higher failure rates, increased stress, and fewer students succeeding in Organic Chemistry II.

I you see the value of Peer Leading at USF, your support is crucial. Please urge USF to fund and preserve this vital program.

In addition, please voice your support for Peer Leading at USF to the following faculty members:

James Leahy, Department of Chemistry Chairman – jwleahy@usf.edu

Elizabeth Spiller, College Dean – elizabethspiller@usf.edu

Allison Cleveland-Roberts, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies – acroberts@usf.edu

Toru Shimizu, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs – shimizu@usf.edu