1125 East 1000 North
8600 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-8600
Tel: (435) 797-3113
FAX: (435) 797-4035
Email: info@housing.usu.edu
www.housing.usu.edu
PEER MENTOR JOB DESCRIPTION
2015-2016
The Peer Mentor (PM) is a full-time student who lives and interacts with his or her peers in a residence hall. The
PM is a member of the Housing and Residence Life Staff and actively participates in the development of a
comprehensive Residence Life program. The PM is appointed for a specific academic year. Individuals should
not apply for or accept a position if they cannot commit to the entire academic year.
The Peer Mentor (PM) is a single-student Residence Life staff position intended to provide academic focus and
support for theme-oriented living/learning communities known as Freshman Interest Groups (FIGs) and
Lifestyles. Peer Mentors live with their communities and plan regular educational and social programs.
FIGs are groups of 16-18 freshmen who live near each other, eat regular meals together, and participate in
programs related to one of the following themes: Appreciating the Arts, Education, Outdoor Adventures, and
Science and Society. FIG participants are required to attend a low-ropes course and a 2-credit Connections class
the week before school begins fall semester. FIGs are open to freshmen of any major and are housed in
Mountain View and Valley View Towers. One Peer Mentor is assigned to each FIG.
Lifestyles are individual theme floors located in South Campus and the Living Learning Community. Each Lifestyle
is linked to an academic department/college or a student organization. Lifestyles located in South Campus
include Engineering Floor (Moen Hall) and Global Village (Greaves Hall). Lifestyles located in the Living Learning
Community include Honors House (Building C) and Involvement House (Building D). Applicants must be in the
major or program related to their requested theme. One Peer Mentor is assigned to each community (some of
which have two floors).
The PM is expected to serve as a role model and abide by all University and Housing policies. As a role model and
a programmer, the PM is further fulfilling the University’s mission for education and service. The PM is expected
to maintain high academic standards and continuing full-time student status.
I. General Responsibilities
Freshman Interest Groups
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Attend a team-building low-ropes course with FIG members.
Meet weekly for meals and/or theme-oriented activities.
Create a basic course syllabus and monitor program attendance. FIG members earn 2 credits from
Connections and 1 credit through their participation in FIG activities.
Meet with each individual FIG member once a semester to discuss academic progress and set personal
academic goals.
Plan and implement, with the input of FIG members, a minimum of 7 theme-oriented programs a
semester. Educational discussion on topics of interest/concern to the respective FIG communities may
be required in lieu of standard programs.
Create and maintain a bulletin board on the FIG floor for purposes of general information, advertising,
and education related to the floor theme.
FIG PMs should expect to work approximately 15-20 hours a week.
Lifestyles
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Collect pledge forms from Lifestyle residents and enforce the community standards outlined by pledge.
Plan and implement, with the input of Lifestyle residents, a minimum of 7 theme-oriented programs a
semester. Educational discussion on topics of interest/concern to the respective Lifestyle communities
may be required in lieu of standard programs.
Meet with each individual Lifestyle member once a semester to discuss academic progress and set
personal academic goals.
Act as a liaison between the Lifestyle floor and the related academic department or student
organization. Inform residents of department/organization news and events. Involve faculty and staff in
floor programs.
Create and maintain a bulletin board on the Lifestyle floor for purposes of general information,
advertising, and education related to the floor theme.
Lifestyle PMs should expect to work approximately 15-20 hours a week.
II. Role Model
It is essential that a PM, as a role model, possess knowledge, skills, and abilities which demonstrate:
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High academic success (3.00 as a minimum for semester and cumulative grade point average) and solid
academic progress towards graduation as a full-time student (a minimum of 12 undergraduate/6
graduate credit hours per semester). The PM must set an example for residents by attending classes
regularly and dedicating an appropriate amount of time to studies.
Abide by all University and Housing policies, the ASUSU Code of Conduct, the Department of Housing
Services Employee Handbook and the Residence Life Handbook.
Communicate with all residents and staff members in an open, supportive and constructive manner,
including roommates as applicable.
Promote a healthy living/learning atmosphere which enhances education and is supportive of the
exchange of diverse ideas and experiences.
Maintain a cooperative team environment and positive attitude within the Housing staff and the
residence hall community.
III. Staff and Resident Communication
Communication and interaction between hall staff as well as with all residents is vital to a healthy team
relationship and a viable and supportive residence hall community. PMs will:
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Report to their supervisor on all aspects of the PM’s work. The PM and their supervisor shall have
formal and informal conferences, evaluation, and communication on a regular basis.
Communicate regularly and interact professionally with all internal and external customers.
Maintain a cooperative team environment and positive attitude.
Be available, visible, and approachable.
Attend and participate in a weekly staff meeting.
Attend and participate in a weekly meeting with the Resident Assistant (RA) of your building/area.
Actively support and contribute to the staff team concept.
Be open and responsive to constructive feedback and opinions from their supervisor and other staff
members, and provide constructive feedback when appropriate.
IV. Programming
Programming is an important tool for developing a strong community and providing involvement opportunities
for residents. Our programming model focuses on the guiding principles of Residence Life which include
personal growth, healthy lifestyles, social responsibility and academic success. With this in mind, PMs are
required to coordinate all aspects of programming including the following:
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Submit a program approval form to the ProStaff at least one week in advance of the program.
Involve residents in the planning and execution of programs.
Link programming efforts to theme, guiding principles and programming requirements.
Program intentionally to the needs of the community based on assessment and theme.
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Create appropriate, effective advertising for programs.
Manage programming budget.
Cooperate with other groups who also organize programs in the residence halls, specifically RHA and
AGs.
Support RHA and other campus offices and appropriate student organizations.
Complete a program report within 48 hours after the program
Promote a healthy living/learning community which enhances education in and out of the classroom.
V. KEYS/ACCESS CARDS
An RA’s duties may necessitate the use of master keys. Proper use and protection of master keys is of the
highest priority and all policies and guidelines for key use must be followed at all times:
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Master keys/ cards should never be carried unless they are needed for an immediate work-related task.
Master keys/cards must be kept secure at all times.
RAs may never access a room for any person who is not the resident of the room. This includes
relatives, significant others, or suite/roommates.
Master keys/cards may never be lent to another person, with the exclusion of fellow staff members in
an emergency situation.
The misuse of any Housing issued keys/cards may result in immediate termination of employment. This
can include, but is not limited to, leaving keys/cards unattended in a public area, violating any of the
policies stated above, losing the keys/cards, or allowing them to be stolen.
Encoding cards or providing “loaner” keys for self or others without supervisor’s permission is an abuse
of position and can result in disciplinary action, including termination.
VI. Availability
The PM position is considered a part-time student position that requires approximately 20 hours per week.
Some weeks may require more time and others may require less time. PMs must be available several times
throughout the year to participate in mandatory training sessions and on a weekly basis to attend regular staff
meetings. They must also be readily available to their residents on a day to day basis. General availability
expectations include but are not limited to the following:
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Be visible, available and approachable to residents. This means being in one’s room/apartment on a
daily and regular basis (several hours per day not including sleeping time).
Post availability hours for residents to see. Submit copies to supervisor(s).
Maintain significant personal contact with all residents in their living area by visiting each
room/apartment regularly.
Arrive early for training and administrative duties relative to semester opening and check-ins. Remain
late each semester to assist with completion of all administrative tasks related to closings and checkout procedures. Extra time, effort and commitment is required during openings/closings,
vacations/breaks and other peak times. *See last page for specific report dates for training and other
required time commitments.
Attend all required and scheduled staff meetings, training sessions, retreats and in-services.
Actively support and participate in Housing-wide recruitment and selection activities as requested.
Be available in the community at least two weekends per month, and other times as requested or
scheduled.
Notify his/her supervisor when gone overnight.
The University must be considered as the principle employer. Second jobs, odd jobs or part-time work
are permissible only so long as they do not interfere with time, availability, and the efficiency of the RA.
It is suggested that 10 hours per week is a reasonable guideline.
VII. ADMINSTRATIVE DUTIES
The RA position includes several administrative duties associated with communication and documentation and
area a critical part of the position. They include, but are not limited to the following:
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Weekly logs
Resident interaction logs
Program approval forms
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Program reports
Incident reports
Office logs
Office coverage and on-call
Extra Area of Responsibility (Varies by community)
Other duties as assigned
VIII. FACILITY & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Facility assessment is an important role that all staff members must fulfill in order to keep maintenance and
damages to a minimum. PMs should help the RAs identify facility and safety concerns. Other expectations of
this role are as follows:
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Report damage and maintenance problems/concerns: follow-up as appropriate.
Establish positive working relationships with USU Police and Fire Marshals, other campus personnel and
departments, and Housing maintenance, grounds, custodial crews and administrative staff.
During emergency or crisis events, as declared by the department leadership, all Residence Life staff
may be activated and required to report to work for extended periods of time.
During emergency or crisis events, Residence Life staff may be assigned to work in capacities outside of
their normal duties and area.
IX. POSSIBLE REASONS FOR TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
An RA may be terminated for the following reasons:
 Inability or failure to perform job responsibilities.
 Disregard of policies of Housing and Residence Life and /or the Student Code of Conduct.
 Misuse of Housing supplies, equipment or facilities.
 Misuse of Housing issued keys and/or access cards.
 Violation of student or staff confidence that impedes one’s ability to perform these stated job
responsibilities or impedes other staff’s ability to do the same.
 Violation of local, state or federal law.
 Personal conduct resulting in an inability to maintain the trust and rapport of the students and staff
needed to satisfactorily accomplish these stated job responsibilities.
 Absence from campus for a period of 24 hours without supervisory approval.
 Failure to maintain academic grade requirements.
X. Qualifications
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Full time USU status (12 undergraduate/ 6 graduate credit hours per semester).
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All PMs are required to maintain a semester and cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.00, including at
time of application. After one semester of failing to meet academic performance standards, PMs will be
placed on job probation. Two consecutive semesters of failing to meet academic performance
standards will affect continued employability and/or rehire status.
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FIGs: PMs are not required to belong to a particular academic program. However, students in majors
and colleges related to FIG themes are encouraged to apply.
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Lifestyles: PMs must belong to the department/college or organization sponsoring their floor. For
Global Village and Leadership House, the PM must demonstrate significant experience related to the
theme.
XI. Lifestyle Specific Qualifications:
Lifestyles
Engineering
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Must demonstrate strong ability in math and science
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3.2 GPA or higher preferred
Members of professional societies preferred
Juniors or seniors preferred
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Must have a 3.3 GPA and good standing in the Honors program
Must have completed the Scholar’s Forum (Honors 2000)
Honors
Global Village
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International living or study abroad experience preferred
Must demonstrate sensitivity to cultural diversity
International students are encouraged to apply
Involvement House
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Previous residents preferred
Involvement in campus events and/or leadership experience preferred
Candidate must be able and willing to attend Aggie BLUE in the fall
XII. Compensation
Residing in the USU Housing system as assigned is required. Respective utility and program fees are waived
where applicable. Compensation varies by area but generally includes a private room, meal plan, and monthly
stipend.
Note: In periods of high occupancy or overflow, some PMs may temporarily be assigned a roommate and
compensation packages may be adjusted to reflect this.
XIII. TRAINING DATES:
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Fall 2015 - RAs must report to campus by 5:00pm on Friday, August 14th. Training continues daily, all
day, through Sunday, August 30, 2015. You should plan on ResLife taking all of your time. Please clear
your schedule of all other potential commitments (i.e. completing class scheduling, weddings, social
activities, and previous job commitments).
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RAs are required to stay until 5:00pm on the Saturday, December 19, 2015 – the day after finals are
over to assist with in-house moves and building closures.
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Spring 2016 - RAs must report to campus by 12:00pm on Thursday, January 7 for spring training and
may be required to stay until 5:00pm on the Sunday, May 7 th following Spring Graduation and must
vacate by no later than noon on the following Monday.