First Year Experience (FYE) Peer Mentor Position Description 2016-2017 Academic Year PEER MENTOR OVERVIEW Peer Mentors serve in a section of UNIV 100 where they act as a resource, support system and role model to new students. Certified by the College Reading and Learning Association International Mentor Training Program, Peer Mentors support first-year students in their social, personal and academic transition to CSUF. Being a Peer Mentor provides an opportunity for upper-class and sophomore students to learn about first-year transition; develop communication, facilitation, leadership and other skills; and contribute to the University. Deadline: Thursday, March 24, 2016 by 5:00pm in LH 216 BENEFITS Certificate of Recognition from the College Reading and Learning Association International Mentor Training Program 3-units elective credit towards graduation for University 397: The Peer Mentor Experience course Free printing in the First Year Experience Lava Lounge for your academic work Collaborate on a UNIV 100 team with a faculty member and student services professional Ability to make a positive impact on first-year students as they transition to college REQUIREMENTS Cumulative grade point average of 2.7 or higher Junior, or Senior class standing; or Sophomores class standing (by the fall 2016 semester) Familiarity and sensitivity to first-year students’ transitional issues Knowledge of campus resources Desire for student involvement and leadership experience Demonstrated commitment to Cal State Fullerton First Year Experience alumni are highly encouraged to apply POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES Mandatory Meetings & Requirement: May TBA Participate in Peer Mentor Spring Welcome and First-Year Success Team (FYST) Mixer with faculty members August 2016: Participate in Peer Mentor summer training & retreat (1 day) Enroll in a three-unit, upper division course University 397: The Peer Mentor Experience for the fall 2016 semester. Class will meet on Tuesdays from 4:00-5:15 pm. Roles and Responsibilities: Attend and actively participate in all assigned University 100 section meetings Meet regularly with your FYST members (faculty member and student services professional) Meet in one-on-one contact meetings with each student in your assigned University 100 class Meet with Senior Peer Mentor and the Peer Mentor advisor in the fall semester Serve as a role model and reliable resource to 20-25 first-year students in a section of University 100 by introducing them to on-campus programs, services and activities Participate in First Year Experience events (academic field trips, End of the Year Celebration, etc.) Work cooperatively with other Peer Mentors and the First Year Experience staff Serve as a liaison between the office of First Year Experience and students in your University 100 course First Year Experience Peer Mentor Application 2016-2017 Deadline: Thursday, March 24, 2016 by 5pm in LH 216 APPLICATION Full Name: _________________________________________ CWID ________________________ CSUF E-mail: ______________________________________ Phone: ________________________ Major: ____________________________________________ Alternate Phone: _________________ Current Class Level: __________________________________ Cum GPA: _____________________ Number of units you plan to enroll in for the Fall 2016 semester (including 3 units for UNIV 397): _____________ How did you hear about the Peer Mentor position? __________________________________________ APPLICATION QUESTIONS Please type your responses to the following questions on a separate piece of paper (not to exceed 500 words per question). 1. Why are you interested in the First Year Experience Peer Mentor position? 2. What experiences and/or skills/qualities could you bring to the Peer Mentor position that would assist first-year students? 3. Describe 3 major issues facing Cal State Fullerton first year students and how would you support them through those challenges? RESUME Please attach a current resume. Include any involvements you have had on and off campus that demonstrate your leadership experience (on campus or community organizations, activities, volunteering, internships, etc.). We encourage you to visit the Career Center in LH 208 to review your résumé during their Drive-Thru Hours. Contact the Career Center at (657) 278-3121 for Drive-Thru Hours. PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES Please submit two (2) Professional References Must be current or former supervisor, CSUF faculty member, or staff; at least one (1) reference must be a CSUF faculty or staff member. APPLICATION CHECKLIST Completed Peer Mentor application Typed response to application questions Current résumé Two (2) Professional References APPLICATION PROCESS Application available Monday, February 29, 2016 Application due Thursday, March 24th at 5:00pm in LH 216 Interviews will be conducted from April 4-April 15th Candidates will be notified whether or not they received the position on Monday, April 25, 2016 SIGNATURE AND DATE I attest that the information I’ve provided in this application packet is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I give permission to have my CSUF academic and disciplinary records checked as a condition of this position. ____________________________________________ _________________________ Signature Date Peer Mentor Reference Form Deadline: Thursday, March 24th, 2016 by 5:00pm in LH 216 To the Applicant: Under the Terms of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), applicants have the right to review recommendations. Please sign below if you consent to waive this right. _______________________________________ Applicant’s Signature ______________________ Date Applicant’s Name: _____________________________________________________ The student identified above is applying to be a Peer Mentor in First Year Experience. In this capacity, he or she will be expected to attend weekly class meetings for University 100 course; facilitate class discussions; introduce students to college resources, programs, and activities; attend weekly Peer Mentor meetings; serve as a role model and provide assistance, support, and encouragement to first-year students entering college. REFERENCE INFORMATION Reference Name: _____________________________________________________ Position/Title: _____________________________________________________ Phone: ______________________ E-mail:__________________________________ How long have you known the candidate? ________________________________ What is your relationship to the candidate? _______________________________ RESPONSE QUESTIONS Would you want this applicant to be a role model for a college-bound student in your family? Why or why not? Do you have any reservations about this applicant? If so, please explain. PLEASE RATE THE APPLICANT ON THE FOLLOWING Outstanding Strong Average Below Average No Knowledge Time Management/ Organizational Skills Critical Thinking Communication Skills Interpersonal Skills Maturity/Stability Ability to serve as a positive role model Independence/ Self Direction Ability to work well with others Please provide additional information you feel would be helpful in evaluating the applicant: Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ___________________ Thank you for your honest feedback. PLEASE RETURN THIS RECOMMENDATION FORM TO THE APPLICANT IN A SEALED AND SIGNED ENVELOPE OR FORWARD DIRECTLY TO First Year Experience, LH 216 California State University, Fullerton 800 N. State College Fullerton, CA 92831 Deadline: Thursday, March 24, 2016 by 5:00pm in LH 216 Peer Mentor Reference Form Deadline: Thursday, March 24, 2016 by 5:00pm in LH 216 To the Applicant: Under the Terms of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), applicants have the right to review recommendations. Please sign below if you consent to waive this right. _______________________________________ Applicant’s Signature ______________________ Date Applicant’s Name: _____________________________________________________ The student identified above is applying to be a Peer Mentor in First Year Experience. In this capacity, he or she will be expected to attend weekly class meetings for University 100 course; facilitate class discussions; introduce students to college resources, programs, and activities; attend weekly Peer Mentor meetings; serve as a role model and provide assistance, support, and encouragement to first-year students entering college. REFERENCE INFORMATION Reference Name: _____________________________________________________ Position/Title: ____________________________________________________ Phone: ______________________ E-mail:__________________________________ How long have you known the candidate? ________________________________ What is your relationship to the candidate? _______________________________ RESPONSE QUESTIONS Would you want this applicant to be a role model for a college-bound student in your family? Why or why not? Do you have any reservations about this applicant? If so, please explain. PLEASE RATE THE APPLICANT ON THE FOLLOWING Outstanding Strong Average Below Average No Knowledge Time Management/ Organizational Skills Critical Thinking Communication Skills Interpersonal Skills Maturity/Stability Ability to serve as a positive role model Independence/ Self Direction Ability to work well with others Please provide additional information you feel would be helpful in evaluating the applicant: Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ___________________ Thank you for your honest feedback. PLEASE RETURN THIS RECOMMENDATION FORM TO THE APPLICANT IN A SEALED AND SIGNED ENVELOPE OR FORWARD DIRECTLY TO First Year Experience, LH 216 California State University, Fullerton 800 N. State College Fullerton, CA 92831 Deadline: Thursday, March 24, 2016 by 5:00pm in LH 216