Fall 2012 First-Year Program Peer Mentors

Now Accepting Applications

Please read all of the information below before submitting an application.

Peer Mentors assist First-Year Program faculty within their course and serve as advocates for the needs, interests, and rights of first-year students. The mentors will be involved in aspects of FYI: 100 (First-Year Introduction) course instruction including syllabus planning, facilitating class discussions, and spending out-of-class time with students. The peer mentor role can include organizing social events, helping students connect with student groups on campus, managing the FYI 100 online “Learning Management System” and explaining academic advisement and registration procedures.

You are eligible to apply for a First-Year Program peer mentor position if you meet or exceed the criteria listed below.

1. achieved at least sophomore standing before classes begin in Fall 2012
2. a GPA of 3.0 or above*
3. a strong interest in helping students achieve academic success and become involved in university life
4. previous experience in the First-Year Program as a freshman or as a First-Year Program peer mentor is preferred, or other community service experience indicating an ability to interact well with people and to follow through on commitments

*If you are currently a first-year student and you have not completed the Fall 2011 semester, you may still apply.  Your application will be reviewed after your Fall 2011 grades have been posted.

Application Process

TO APPLY FOR A PEER MENTOR POSITION, please read the “job description” below very carefully. If you are comfortable with the stated policies and responsibilities, complete the online application form via the link below. Upon receipt, your application will be reviewed and at the discretion of the First-Year Program staff, you will be called in for an interview.

PLEASE NOTE: ALL PEER MENTORS INCLUDING THOSE WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY PARTICIPATED IN THE PROGRAM ARE REQUIRED TO FILL OUT AN APPLICATION FORM AND IF APPROVED, ENROLL IN FYR 314, THE FYP PEER MENTOR SEMINAR.  EXPERIENCED PEER MENTORS ARE INVALUABLE IN HELPING TRAIN THOSE WITH NO EXPERIENCE.

NOTE: You cannot sign up for FYR 314 until you have been interviewed and accepted into the program. 

*Tentative Peer Mentor Responsibilities

*NOTE: Certain activities may still have to be finalized.

All peer mentors must enroll in FYR 314 First-Year Program Peer Mentor Seminar, a two-credit course (view course description) held during the fall semester. The FYR 314 faculty member in consultation with the FYI 100 instructor will assign each peer mentor a letter grade for the course.

ALL PEER MENTORS MUST AGREE TO AND OR PARTICIPATE IN THE FOLLOWING:

1. Attend a peer mentor training on Saturday, April 28, 2012.  You will be compensated for your participation in this session.
2. Meet with your FYI 100 Instructor before Spring 2012 classes end.
3. Under the guidance of your FYI 100 instructor and the Director of the First-Year Program, there may be additional activities. 
4. FYI 314 has two components. The coursework component will generally meet every other Monday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. during the semester. Please do not schedule anything during the Fall 2012 semester on Mondays during this class time.  This course is designed to continue to provide the peer mentors with the skills required to help new students become proficient in using the academic and support resources of the university. Topics such as overseeing the “Learning Management System,” critical thinking, academic honesty, facilitating class discussions, leadership skills, navigating the campus and local community, making use of library resources, and promoting a culture of mutual respect in and out of the classroom will be the core of the mentoring course. The class will offer the students a forum to discuss and assess their individual successes and problems as mentors. Assignments may include the following: 
• Assigned readings followed by classroom discussion
• Reflective essays to be created throughout the semester as a way to record experiences, mentoring, teaching, and working with instructors
• An end of the semester project
• New and returning peer mentors may be assigned tasks/projects based on experience
5. The other FYR 314 course component is based on a peer mentor’s performance as a mentor. A peer mentor is required to meet weekly with the First-Year Program faculty member they are assisting. FYI 100 is a 3-credit course and will generally meet more than once a week.  A peer mentor is required to meet with his/her FYI 100 class for one continuous 50-minute period each week.  These requirements will be monitored by both the FYR 314 instructor and the FYI 100 instructor.
6. Mentors are required to meet with their students at least twice during the semester outside of the classroom. This will require active organization by the peer mentor.
7. Mentors are required to attend some cluster activities. It is expected that the peer mentor accompany their cluster on the major field trip.
8. Mentors are encouraged to involve their cluster in campus cultural activities.
9. Mentors will uphold all the rules and regulations of the University, including academic integrity, in order to serve as role models for first year students.
10. Mentors will maintain strict confidentiality about information shared between the peer mentor and students and with the cluster instructors.
11. Mentors will work as a team with their cluster instructors, mentees, and fellow mentors. They will fulfill their responsibilities with respect and consideration for all team members. They will maintain the relationship of “mentor” to all their mentees.
12. Mentors will be required to give presentations to their FYI 100 class on a variety of topics such as registration, advising, time management, etc.
13. The letter grade for FYR 314 will be determined by your FYR 314 instructor in consultation with your FYI 100 course instructor.

If you wish to apply please continue to the online application via the link here:

Online Peer Mentor Application