What is a Student Support Services Peer Mentor?

The Peer Mentor is a student staff member who provides leadership, support, and encouragement to participants in the Freshman Transition Scholars Program and throughout the academic year. Mentors will aid in the transition of incoming freshmen into the college environment, while achieving the goals of the SSS program. Beginning with a four day training in the summer before a 10 the FTSP program, Peer Mentors will learn to mentor first year students as the receive an introduction to the college environment. After FTSP, first year students are assigned a peer mentor to help them transition to campus, answer questions and support them in their first semester. During the second semester peer mentors work together to brainstorm, plan and facilitate workshops and events that support the growth and development of first year students and build community throughout Student Support Services, all while maintaining impactful relationships.

How do I become a Peer Mentor through Student Support Services?

The application to be a Peer Mentor is open now! Take a look at the information below to learn more about important dates in the process and read the job description. When you are ready, click the APPLY NOW button to fill out the application!

SSS Peer Mentor 2021-2022 Job Description

An SSS Peer Mentor is a student staff member who provides leadership, support, and encouragement to participants in the Freshman Transition Scholars Program and throughout the academic year. Mentors will aid in the transition of incoming freshmen into the college environment, while achieving the goals of the SSS program. 

Position Responsibilities and Expectations 
Mentors will aid through one-on-one and group meetings with mentee students, inviting new students to attend cultural, developmental, and educational events offered by the Mentor Program and SSS. Additionally, mentors should serve as positive role models (both on and off campus), attend leadership training, mentor staff meetings and program events, and accurately contact, meet with, and keep track of meetings with freshman students in order to communicate success and concerns with fellow mentors and the Program Coordinator. Expectations for this position include the following minimum job responsibilities: 
  • Be in full attendance of all training periods throughout the academic year, including the FTSP Training during summer and the Fall and Winter Retreats 
  • Follow general guidance directions as determined and set forth by the full Student Support Services Staff, including the Program Coordinator 
  • Help students become familiar with university resources 
  • Meet individually with students and submit Meeting Reports to the Program Coordinator 
  • Attend biweekly community staff meetings with other peer mentors 
  • Conduct Monthly Meetings with the Program Coordinator to discuss progress in the role 
  • Collaborate with other FTSP Peer mentors to plan and facilitate social activities for the program participants during the second semester 
  •  Actively encourage participation in SSS activities, events, and/or workshops 
  •  Assist in student success through actively living the mission of Siena and Student Support Services, while modeling scholarly and moral behavior both on and off campus 
  •  Maintain a regular work schedule and input accurate time sheets into the timeclock system 
  •  Any other duties, which may further be specified by the SSS Program Coordinator ​

Qualifications 
A student interested in becoming a Peer Mentor should meet the following minimum requirements: 
  • Be at, minimum, sophomore standing with a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher by the position start date. You must maintain a 2.50 cumulative GPA throughout your time as an FTSP mentor in order to remain employed with the program 
  • Must be available during initial Summer training, FTSP (dates listed below) and throughout the academic year 
  • Able to adhere to strict confidentiality of all information relating to the student-public. 
  • Strong willingness to aid in emotional, social, or academic endeavors and hurdles. 

​Time Commitment Breakdown 
One Time Occurrence: 
  • 14-day Freshman Transition Scholars Program (FTSP) Training and Facilitation 
  • Summer 2021 Dates: July 19th to August 1st, 2021 
Consistent Commitments Throughout Academic Year: 
  • Thirty Minute Weekly meeting with 2-3 students in mentee caseload 
  • One Hour Biweekly Community Meeting throughout entire year 
  • Thirty Minute Monthly Check-In with Program Coordinator throughout entire year 
  • Events/workshops attended with mentees and/or for mentees (happen periodically throughout year and are required) 
  • One hour Committee Planning meetings during second semester as called by the Lead Peer Mentor 

I have submitted my application. Now what?

Thank you for applying. Your application will be sent to the Peer Mentor Selection Committee.

See the information below for important notes about the application process:​
​
January 31st, 2020 Peer Mentor Application Closes
February 2nd, 2020 Interview Invitations extended to applicants: Please check your email on this day to schedule your interview.
February 8th - 19th, 2021 Peer Mentor Interviews take place: Check your email for the link to the virtual MS Teams Interview.
February 23rd, 2020 Offer Letter will be extended to chosen applicants

Have experience as a Student Support Services Peer Mentor?

The Lead Peer Mentor role is designed for students with at least one year of experience as a Peer Mentor with Student Support Services. Students in this role help to plan and design the peer mentor program, serve as a leader during FTSP training and FTSP, and serve as the go-to person for mentors throughout the academic year. Check out the Lead Peer Mentor Job Description and fill out an application today!

    Still need more information? 
Siena Heights University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status in the institution's programs or activities or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. The University promotes affirmative action for minorities, women, disabled persons and veterans.