International Student Mentor Application 2016
International Student Mentor Program
The International Student Mentor (ISM) Program at the University of Rochester is a unique and
exciting opportunity to give back to the campus community. The ISM Program exists to foster
meaningful interactions between current UR students and incoming international freshmen. ISMs
begin communicating with our new international students in the early summer to help them
prepare for what is ahead during Orientation. Throughout the year, ISMs continue to support
these students by organizing engaging programming and serving as a resource about U.S. culture
and academics.
International Student Mentor
Job Description
International Student Mentors (ISM’s) are responsible for assisting the professional and
student Orientation staff with many aspects of the August Orientation Programs. Starting in June,
ISMs are expected to be in communication with their group of international mentees in order to
answer any questions they may have about their arrival to campus. ISMs support and work all
events during International Student Orientation as well as function as Orientation Volunteers
during the rest of Orientation Week. ISMs are expected to create and maintain a general
atmosphere of welcome and helpfulness for incoming international students and their families. In
addition, ISMs are expected to assist in the development of small- and large-scale during the Fall
semester to engage both international and domestic students through creative and innovative
programming.
International Student Mentors (ISM’s) will be the primary points of contact to provide the
personal attention and guidance required for a new international student to successfully transition
to the UR and to US way of life. Commitment times will vary beginning in summer through fall
semester.
Job duties will include, but are not limited to:
 Communicate with their assigned international mentee group assigned during the summer
 Return to campus on August 18th for early move-in and
 Attend ISM Training on August 19th
 Assist in the operations of International Move-In Day
 Host the International Welcome Dinner and provide group activities
 Assist in the operations of International Orientation programming events and activities
 Greet and direct both new international students and their parents during International
Orientation
 Connect with mentees regularly during the fall semester through 1:1 interaction, group
activities, and small- and large-scale programming
 Meet with the ISM Team, consisting of the International Student Counselor, the Senior
ISM, and the ISM Leads, to report and update on the status of international mentee group
 As part of OV responsibilities, attend Orientation and late night events
 As part of OV responsibilities, participate in OV team building exercises
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 Troubleshoot problem situations as they arise during Orientation
 Assist in the registration and check in for students and parents
 Respond to questions about Orientation from freshmen, parents and the campus
community
 Create and maintain professional relationships with students, parents and the campus
community
Qualifications
International Student Mentor applicants must:
 Be currently in good disciplinary and academic standing in The College
 Be registered as a full time student for the Spring and Fall 2016 semesters
 Must have demonstrated campus involvement
 Must have the ability to relate well with a diverse group of people
 Must have the ability to develop and foster a sense of global understanding and
engagement
 Must be open to learning about and supporting world cultures on campus
 Must have energy, creativity and spirit
 Must be flexible
 Must be confident in themselves and their abilities
 Must be patient
 Must be a team player
 Must be dependable
 Must be willing to participate in team building activities
 Will be expected to be available to volunteer during the entire Training and Orientation
Program
*Please note:
 D’Lions, Freshman Fellows and RA’s may complete an application but must
meet with the International Student Counselor to discuss how management of
ResLife and ISM/OV responsibilities will be handled.
 All applicants must conclude their summer employment requirements
PRIOR to August 18th to qualify to be an International Student Mentor.
Benefits
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No early move in charges for the 2016-2017 academic year
Free T-Shirt!
Most meals during Orientation Week
Opportunities for developing professional relationships with faculty, staff and students
Learn more about the University of Rochester
An opportunity to make a difference in a new international students’ life!
Timeline
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APPLICATION DEADLINE
 Friday, February 12th, 2016 by 5 PM
 Submit completed applications to 312 Lattimore Hall or by email to
michael.v.dedes@rochester.edu
NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTENCE
 Accepted ISMs will be notified by Friday, February 26th by 5 pm
FIRST GROUP MEETING (REQUIRED)
 TBD
TRAINING AND EARLY MOVE-IN PERIOD
 All ISMs will be expected to participate in training during March and April in preparation for
summer duties and responsibilities. Dates will be determined in the spring.
 ISM Move-In Day: August 18th
 ISM August Training Day: August 19th
 OV Training Days: August 20th and August 21st
ISM AND ORIENTATION VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ORIENTATION
 Monday, August 22nd through Tuesday, August 30th
Please contact Michael Dedes michael.v.dedes@rochester.edu if you have questions about the
International Student Mentor application.
Application
Please Note: All sections of the application, including reference contact information, must be filled
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out and a resume must be submitted in order for your application to be considered complete.
Incomplete applications will NOT be considered.
Please be aware that by submitting an application to be an International Student Mentor you are
also applying to be an Orientation Volunteer during Orientation Week.
Personal Information *Please print or type legibly
Name:___________________________________________________________________
Email: __________________________________________________________________
Student ID#: _____________________ Class Year: ______________________
Local Information
CPU Box: _____________________
Residence Hall (Spring 2015): __________________________________________
Cell Phone: _____________________________
Have you been an Orientation Volunteer at UR?
YES
NO
Have you been an International Student Mentor?
YES
NO
Are you a candidate for Freshman Fellow, D’Lion or Residential Adviser?
YES
NO
Which positions are you applying for?
Have you participated in past Orientations and in what capacity?
Summer Information
Street Address: ________________________________________________________
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City: ______________________ State: _________ Zip: _____________________
Phone: _____________________ Email: ____________________________________
Academic Information
Major(s): _______________________________________________________________
Minor(s) & Clusters:____________________________________________________
Cumulative GPA: ___________________________
Did you enter as a Transfer Student?
YES
NO
Are you an International Student?
YES
NO
Please list any languages or dialects that you speak fluently
Please respond to each of the following questions by typing out your answers
on a separate piece of paper and attach to the application:
1. Why do you believe that you are the best possible person to be an International Student
Mentor?
2. Which activities are you involved in outside of academics and why did you choose to be
involved those activities?
3. Describe a situation where you have gone above and beyond to help someone?
4. Describe something your Orientation Volunteer did to help make your Orientation memorable
or one way you want to help to make Orientation memorable for your group of international
student mentees.
Personal Statement:
Please attach a one page personal statement explaining your international competency.
Be sure to include the following:
 Do you have any cross-cultural experiences or interests?
 How will you shape new international students first impressions and experiences
to be positive and fulfilling?
 Can you be relied upon to act as a friend, leader and a representative of the UR to
these new students?
You may want to include the following:
 What was your first semester experience like?
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

How can you use your experience to help others?
What would be one or two of the most rewarding aspects of being an International
Student Mentor.
Resume
Please submit a resume including:
Past Work Experience
Clubs & Activities
Awards, Leadership Positions
Community Engagement
Academic Achievements
Reference
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Please give the name of one reference among the faculty or staff at the UR. If you would like to
include an additional reference from an employer or supervisor, please do so.
Name:
____________________________________________________
Position/Title Office:
____________________________________________________
Phone:
____________________________________________________
Reference Signature:
____________________________________________________
___________________________________
(Name of Applicant)
The student named above is applying for an International Student Mentor position. By signing, the
applicant has agreed that this reference is confidential. The applicant will not have access to the
information and comments provided by you.
Applicant Signature ___________________________
PLEASE PRINT
1.)
Please comment on this student’s potential to serve as a Volunteer or Mentor (reliability,
flexibility, judgment, ability to express him/herself verbally, self-confidence, level of maturity).
2.) Is there any additional information including particular strengths or weaknesses that you feel would be
helpful for the selection committee to know?
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE
PLEASE RETURN THIS REFERENCE FORM DIRECTLY TO THE CANDIDATE OR MAILED TO
312 LATTIMORE HALL, CARE OF MICHAEL DEDES, IN A SEALED ENVELOPE BY
FEBRUARY 12th, 2016.
By submitting this application, I acknowledge that the information contained into this
application is factual and is a realistic assessment of my abilities. Because I recognize
that being an International Student Mentor carries with it both privileges and
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responsibilities, I hereby give permission to the College Center for Academic Support to
obtain information regarding my academic and student conduct records. I have read the
attached description of my responsibilities and understand that it will serve as my
employment contract if I am hired.
___________________________________________ ________________________
Signature
Date
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE
Friday, February 12th, 2016 by 5 PM
Submit completed applications to 312 Lattimore Hall or by email to michael.v.dedes@rochester.edu
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