First Year Experience Peer Mentor Basic Job Description
Overview
The First Year Experience (FYE) peer mentor program aims to improve and enhance student success in the first year and beyond. Peer mentors will give a “student’s point of view” of college life, what works and what doesn’t, and act as facilitators guiding students to appropriate campus resources. The Peer Mentors will be linked with a specific course and have mentees who are enrolled in the specific course.
Objectives
The goal of the peer mentor program is to promote a better sense of connection of first year students to campus life and resources. Throughout the second semester, the peer mentors will discuss the following subjects:
- The value of a college education and the commitment necessary for academic success
- Managing college transitions
- Academic rules and regulations, such as credit evaluation, and major declaration policies
- campus resources
- The varied campus co-curricular activities and aid them in becoming engaged in these activities
- Correlation between good time management and study skills and a successful academic career
- Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships (building community) with faculty, staff, and peers
Requirements
Each Mentor will have to meet specific requirements. They must meet the following:
- Have 3 recommendations,
- Have at minimum junior standing
- Be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Basic understanding of campus computer systems (D2L, Solar, Ranger Mail, etc.)
- Make a year long commitment to the program
- Make a 5-10 hour a week commitment to the program
Responsibilities
Each Mentor will be responsible for the following:
- Make contact with the students (mentee) at least twice a week (electronically & personally)
- Meet monthly with Coordinator of program
- Keep journals/logs tracking self and student interaction and attendance
- Follow-up with mentees who are absent from class
- Attend one class session (ACSK 120) a week
- Meet with the faculty instructor weekly
- Attend bi-weekly training sessions
- Schedule one activity outside of class
- Help first year student navigate the second semester of college by introducing transitional topics
Outcomes
With dedicated Peer Leaders UWP expects the following:
- Improved student attendance
- FY students better informed about campus resources (services and staff)
- FY students to be more aware of academic expectations
Return application, resume, and references by August 10th, 2009 to:
Mary Louise Edwards
First Year Experience, WYLL D 175
UW-Parkside, 900 Wood Road, Kenosha, WI 53141
Other Information
- Peer Mentors will be expected to attend training (April 10, Aug. 30, Aug 31, etc.) prior to starting
- 6 positions are available for the fall-spring 09-10 terms
- $500 semester stipend
- For any question or an e-application, contact Mary Louise Edwards@ 262-595-2395 or email request to Marylouise.edwards@uwp.edu
