Peer Mentors assist FYI 100 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 be a peer mentor for FYI 100, if you meet or exceed the criteria listed below.
- achieved at least sophomore standing before classes begin in Fall 2013
- a GPA of 3.0 or above*
- a strong interest in helping students achieve academic success and become involved in university life
- previous experience as a student in FYR 174 or FYI 100 is preferred, or any volunteer or work experience indicating an ability to interact well with people and to follow through on commitments
* Note that current first-year students can apply now, but will not be called in for an interview until their Fall 2012 grades are recorded
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 Director of Student Transition Services, you will be called in for an interview.
PLEASE NOTE: ALL PEER MENTOR APPLICANTS 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 FYI 100 PEER MENTOR SEMINAR. EXPERIENCED PEER MENTORS ARE INVALUABLE IN HELPING TRAIN THOSE WITH NO EXPERIENCE.
TENTATIVE PEER MENTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
ALL PEER MENTORS MUST AGREE TO AND OR PARTICIPATE IN THE FOLLOWING:
- Attend a peer mentor training on Saturday morning, April 27, 2013. You will be compensated for your participation in this session.
- Attend a faculty training session on Saturday morning, May 4, 2013. You will be compensated for your participation in this session.
- Under the guidance of your FYI 100 instructor and the Director of Student Transition Services, there may be additional activities.
- FYI 314 has two components. The coursework component will meet every other Monday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. during the semester. Please do not schedule anything during the Fall 2013 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
- 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 FYI 100 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.
- 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.
- Mentors are required to attend some class activities. It is expected that the peer mentor accompany their class on the major field trip.
- Mentors are encouraged to involve their class in campus cultural activities.
- 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.
- Mentors will maintain strict confidentiality about information shared between the peer mentor and students and with the FYI 100 instructors.
- Mentors will work as a team with their FYI 100 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.
- Mentors will be required to give presentations to their FYI 100 class on a variety of topics such as registration, advising, time management, etc.
- The letter grade for FYR 314 will be determined by your FYR 314 instructor in consultation with your FYI 100 course instructor.
To Apply:
If you wish to apply please continue to the online application via the link here:
Online Peer Mentor Application
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