UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
First Year Experience
Strategies for Success 1501
2016-2017 Peer Mentor
Application Packet
Submit completed application to:
ATTN: Dr. Jamil D. Johnson
First Year Experience: SLS 1501 Program
216 Howard Phillips Hall (Front desk)
If you have any questions please contact Dr. Johnson: jamil.johnson@ucf.edu or 407-823-5105
Deadline: Friday, February 19, 2016 at 5:00pm
Visit us online: http://fye.sdes.ucf.edu/sls
SLS 1501 Peer Mentor Job Overview
Strategies for Success (SLS 1501) Course Overview:
Strategies for Success 1501 is a 3-credit course designed to assist students in transitioning into UCF and college
life. SLS 1501 provides first-year students with important academic and professional skills to promote their
success as a student and beyond. SLS 1501 is taught by Faculty on campus and each is assigned a highly qualified
Peer Mentor.
Desired Characteristics:
 Already, or is seeking to become, an active and involved member of the UCF campus community
 Confident in their ability to lead and help others to succeed
 Able to speak in front of a classroom of students
 Willing and open to being challenged beyond their normal comfort zone
 A role model of appropriate behavior inside and outside of the classroom
 An example of what a successful student looks like (attends class regularly, engages in healthy decision
making, participates in class activities and discussions)
 A resource that students can utilize to connect to offices and services on campus
Role and Responsibilities:
 Maintain frequent communication with both SLS Faculty and SLS Graduate Assistant
 Attend and actively participate in all SLS Peer Mentor Seminar Meetings and trainings
 Attend all SLS 1501 class meetings
 Work closely with assigned SLS 1501 Faculty to develop course materials and activities
 Serve as an academic and social role model
 Become familiar with the needs of first-year students
 Be accessible and willing to assist the needs of students and their transition
 Prepare and facilitate at least one (1) lesson plan on a topic of your choosing
 Plan one-on-one meetings with students in SLS 1501 section
 Plan and execute out-of-class activities for students under the direction of SLS 1501 Faculty
 Communicate accurate academic and student resource information
 Check UCF email regularly and provide prompt (within 24 hour) responses to Program staff
 Recognize declining student morale and collaborate with Faculty to increase motivation
Minimum Qualifications:
 Minimum UCF GPA of 2.75, UCF GPA of 3.0 preferred (GPA will be verified)
 Academic record must be free of violations within the Department of Housing and Residence Life and
the Office of Student Conduct, including a clear status in regards to disciplinary probation (Conduct
record will be verified)
 Exhibit leadership potential and a strong commitment to the mission of the Strategies for Success
Program
 Agree to abide by professional and ethical standards of conduct, including following all university
regulations and civil laws, from the point of selection through the end of employment
 Possess a strong interest and desire to help first-year students make a positive transition to UCF
 Submission of a completed 2016-2017 Peer Mentor Application, essay responses, and current resume by
5:00PM, Friday, February 19, 2016.
 Two (2) completed Recommendation Forms submitted by UCF Faculty or Staff by 5:00PM, Friday,
February 19, 2016.
Updated: 1/25/16
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Peer Mentor Learning Outcomes and Benefits:
 Develop and enhance transferrable skills to promote personal, academic, and professional goals
 Strengthen pathways toward Career-readiness
 Expand opportunities for access and participation in UCF and national programs
 Gain skills important to cultivate the navigation of diverse relationships
 Enhance communication (written and orally) as well as facilitation skills
 Promote life-long leadership skills
 College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA) Mentoring Certification (subject to Satisfactory
Evaluation and UCF GPA of 3.0)
 $250 stipend (subject to Satisfactory Evaluation)
Peer Mentor Important Dates:
Summer B Mentors:
 Attend mandatory SLS1 501 Peer Mentor training on Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 8:00am-5:00pm
 Uphold the position of Peer Mentor from June 20, 2016 - August 5, 2016
Fall Mentors:
 Attend mandatory SLS 1501 Peer Mentor training on Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 8:00am-5:00pm
 Uphold the position of Peer Mentor from August 15, 2016 - December 14, 2016
 Attend SDES Peer Mentor Training Day (August 2016, date TBD)
 Attend Convocation on Sunday, August 21, 2016 at 4:00 PM
 Sign up for Campus Locator shifts during the first three (3) days of fall classes
Statement of Equal Opportunity:
The Office of First Year Experience, within the University of Central Florida, promotes affirmative action and
equal opportunity in education and employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex,
age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, national origin, disability, or
veteran status.
Updated: 1/25/16
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2016-2017 Peer Mentor Application
Instructions: Please ensure your handwriting is legible using only black or blue ink.
Full Name: ____________________________________
NID: __________________________
UCF Knights Email: ____________________________
Cell Phone: ____________________
Current Address:
_____________________________________________________________
City: _____________________
State:
Major: _____________________
________
Zip: ______________
Minor (if applicable): __________________
Anticipated Graduation (MM/YY):
UCF Cumulative GPA:
________________
Freshman ☐
Classification:
Sophomore ☐
Do you current have a:
Government Issued Photo ID?
☐Yes
☐No
Social Security Card?
☐Yes
☐No
Checking Account?
☐Yes
☐No
Are you currently employed?
☐Yes ☐ No
Junior ☐
Senior ☐
Graduate ☐
In order to be eligible for employment, you must
have a government issued ID, a Social Security Card
(no copies), & a checking account.
If you do not have any of the above, you must be
able to attain and complete the hire paperwork
before beginning your position, and prior to the
start of your semester
If yes, are you employed with UCF?
☐Yes
☐No
If yes, Specify: ______________________________________________________________________
Have you taken Strategies for Success (SLS 1501)? ☐Yes
☐No
If yes, what semester and year did you complete the course? ______________________________
If yes, who was your SLS 1501 Faculty? __________________________________
*If you do not remember, please write N/A
Program Participation:
Are you or have you been involved with any of the following programs? Please select all that apply.
Nursing ☐
LEARN ☐
SOAR☐
OSSM☐
Rosen ☐
STEP ☐
ASSA☐
Pegasus ☐
STEM ☐
O-Team ☐
Updated: 1/25/16
Other: ____________
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Availability:
Which semester(s) would you be interested in serving as an SLS 1501 Peer Mentor? Please indicate all that
apply. Note: Priority will be given to applicants who are able to serve during the summer 2016 semester.
Summer B 2016 ☐
Fall 2016 ☐
Summer B 2016 and Fall 2016 ☐
The table below lists the SLS 1501 class sections that will be offered during the summer B 2016 and fall 2016
semesters. Based on your anticipated availability, please rank the top 5 class meeting times that will best fit
into your schedule for the semester(s) of which you are applying. (R) = Thursday
Summer B 2016
Days
Time
MTWR 8:00 AM - 9:50 AM
MTWR 9:00 AM -10:50 AM
MTWR 10:00 AM -11:50 AM
MTWR
12:00 PM -1:50 PM
MTWR
1:00 PM -2:50 PM
MTWR
2:00 PM -3:50 PM
MTWR
4:00 PM -5:50 PM
MTWR
4:30 PM -6:20 PM
MTWR
6:00 PM -7:50 PM
Rank
Days
MWF
MWF
MWF
MW
MW
TR
TR
TR
TR
TR
Fall 2016
Time
10:30 AM -11:20 AM
11:30 AM-12:20 PM
12:30 PM -1:20 PM
11:30 AM -12:45PM
4:30 PM -5:45 PM
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
1:30 PM - 2:45 PM
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM
4:30PM – 5:45PM
Rank
Essay Questions:
Please answer the following essay questions on a separate sheet(s). Your essays must be typed minimum two
(2) pages.
1. Why are you interested in being a SLS 1501 Peer Mentor?
2. What are your career plans and how would being a SLS 1501 Peer Mentor contribute to those plans?
Explain how being a Peer Mentor will contribute to your personal, academic, and professional goals.
3. What does “diversity” mean to you?
4. If you have any recommendations of UCF students (i.e. friends, peers) that you feel would be an
outstanding SLS 1501 Peer Mentor, please list their name and email. If none, please write N/A.
I have read and understand the attached job description and expectations. If selected for an interview, you will
be contacted via your UCF email. I understand that my GPA and UCF judicial record will be verified by the
Strategies for Success program. I certify that the above information is accurate and truthful to the best of my
knowledge.
Name (Print): ________________
Signature: ______________________
Date: ________________
Drop off completed application (pp. 4-5), essay responses, and current resume to: ATTN: Dr. Jamil D. Johnson,
First Year Experience: SLS 1501 Program, 216 Howard Phillips Hall (Front desk) by 5:00PM, Friday, February
19, 2016. Please ensure the two (2) Recommendation Forms are completed by UCF Faculty or Staff and
submitted by 5:00PM, Friday, February 19, 2016. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Johnson
at jamil.johnson@ucf.edu
Updated: 1/25/16
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SLS 1501 Peer Mentor Recommendation Form
SLS 1501 is designed to help first-year students make a successful transition into the university by developing
academic, social, and personal skills that contribute to their academic success. The SLS Peer Mentors are a
valuable component to the SLS program! They serve as peer advisors, resources, and role models for first-year
students by representing the Strategies for Success Program, the Office of First Year Experience, and the
University of Central Florida.
Name of SLS 1501 Peer Mentor Candidate: ________________________________________
Please rate the student on the following categories by circling the appropriate response:
Above Average
PUNCTUALITY
Average
Below Average
No Basis
Excellent
Above Average
INITIATIVE
Average
Below Average
No Basis
Excellent
Above Average
COOPERATIVENESS
Average
Below Average
No Basis
Excellent
Excellent
Above Average
Excellent
Above Average
Excellent
Above Average
ATTITUDE
Average
Below Average
No Basis
FRIENDLINESS
Average
Below Average
No Basis
ENTHUSIASM
Average
Below Average
No Basis
No Basis
No Basis
Excellent
Above Average
ASSERTIVENESS
Average
Below Average
Excellent
Above Average
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Average
Below Average
Excellent
Above Average
Below Average
No Basis
Excellent
ROLE MODEL POTENTIAL
Above Average
Average
Below Average
No Basis
Excellent
RESPECTFULNESS OF OTHERS / SOCIAL SENSITIVITY
Above Average
Average
Below Average
No Basis
Excellent
Above Average
MATURITY
Average
LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Average
Below Average
No Basis
RESPONSIBILITY
Updated: 1/25/16
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Excellent
Excellent
Above Average
Average
Below Average
No Basis
Above Average
WORK ETHIC
Average
Below Average
No Basis
Would the student be a good role model and mentor for first-year students?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Please make any comments you feel are important, including any strengths or areas of development?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
How long have you known the applicant, and in what capacity?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Name: ______________________________
Date: ________________________
Title/Department: ____________________________
Phone: _______________________
Signature: ___________________________________________
Please return this form marked confidential by 5:00PM on Friday, February 19, 2016 to the Office of First Year
Experience, Howard Phillips Hall room 216, ATTN: Dr. Jamil D. Johnson. You may also email the form to
jamil.johnson@ucf.edu or fax ATTN: Dr. Jamil D. Johnson to (407) 823-3847.
Updated: 1/25/16
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