OFFICE OF RESIDENCE LIFE
LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITY PEER MENTOR
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Context of the Job
The Peer Mentor is a student residential community member who provides leadership to a Living Learning
Community by assisting the members of the community to achieve the goals of the program. There are currently
two Living Learning Communities in our residence halls, listed below. Both communities provide unique
engagement and educational opportunities for residents throughout the academic year. There is no additional
cost to or participation requirements for the members of either community.
Transfer Living Learning Community:
Location: Ray Street
Program Goals: Students will have the opportunity to:
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Learn and utilize campus resources important for academic success;
Connect with other transfer students who have successfully transitioned to UD;
Engage in leadership experiences promoting transfer student success; and
Engage in career development activities designed to assist transfer students.
Program outcomes for participants, compared to their counterpart transfer students who do not participate
include:
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Greater satisfaction with living community
Tangible connection to the university community
Higher level of participation in campus activities
Better preparation for post-graduation experiences
Bridge Experience:
Location: Independence Hall East
Program Goals: Students will have the opportunity to:
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Join and participate in campus organizations;
Utilize campus resources aimed at academic success;
Develop items suitable for career development or graduate school applications; and
Develop a mentoring relationship with rising AA students.
Program outcomes for participants, compared to their counterparts (former AA students) who do not participate
include:
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Greater overall satisfaction with the UD experience
Higher grade point averages
Better understanding and greater utilization of campus resources
More preparedness for career or graduate school work
The above outcomes were developed based on a review of the following articles:
Inkelas, K. K.; Soldner, M.; Loyerbeam, S.; Leonard, J. (2008) Differences in student outcomes by type of
living-learning programs: The development of an empirical typology. Research in Higher Education, 49, 495512
Inkelas, K. K. & Weisman, J. (2003) Different by design; An examination of student outcomes among
participants in three types of living-learning programs. Journal of College Student Development, 44(3), 335-368
Major Responsibilities
Administrative:
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Perform all expected Peer Mentor duties
Participate in any centralized training sessions related to the Peer Mentor responsibilities and individual
meetings with Complex Coordinator.
Hold two weekly office hours.
Develop training for the Resident Assistant staff on the general characteristics of the community and the
effect these have on the residence hall experience.
Develop opportunities and materials which market the community to incoming students.
Attend first thirty minutes of every weekly Resident Assistant staff meeting to exchange ideas and share
resources with staff members.
Community Building:
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Make individual connections with LLC members toward providing support, resources and opportunities
based on student needs and interests.
Develop expanded community development activities toward creating a supportive LLC peer group (i.e.
Collaborate with Resident Assistants to create social programming).
·Facilitate “Q&A” via through the LLC Peer Mentor student Facebook page.
Additional responsibilities for student engagement within the designated community will be developed and
executed by the Peer Mentor.
University Transitions:
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Design and implement programs during move-in weekend and 1743 Welcome Days.
Develop programs which will assist students who are acclimating to the University of Delaware Newark
campus, highlighting services offered which promote degree completion (i.e. Academic Enrichment Center,
Writing Center, etc.)
Along with the Complex Coordinator, develop programs and promotions which highlight internship
opportunities, leadership opportunities and resume development.
Highlight the opportunities available in these communities to current students.
Assist and serve as a resource during admissions events designed for these populations.
General
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Demonstrate positive personal, academic, and job-related behaviors at all times.
Establish and maintain a positive and supportive working relationship with supervisor and other members of
the department and the complex staff team.
Be a visible, positive and active community member in the building and in the complex.
Assume additional responsibilities as assigned by the Complex Coordinator, Residence Hall Coordinator, or
other Residence Life professionals related to the Peer Mentor roles. Additional responsibilities can include,
but are not limited to: assisting with selection and training of future Peer Mentors, assisting with Learning
Community assessment efforts, serving as a resource to Residence Life staff regarding Transfer students or
Associate in Arts graduates, utilizing Student Central as a tool for community development.
Qualifications
Peer Mentor candidates must:
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Have experience with this community including, but not limited to: Being a person who can claim
membership in this community, worked with this community in the RA position or otherwise, and/or
have a sincere interest in this community based on previous experiences.
Have knowledge of campus resources being promoted to this community including, but not limited to:
Academic Enrichment Center; Career Services Center; Writing Center, University Transfer Center and
Student Financial Services
Be a responsible community member
Have strong interpersonal and peer leadership skills
Have strong organizational and communication skills
Have the ability to work independently and within a group setting an
Be committed to the concepts of shared accountability and team success
Peer Mentors will live in a double-occupancy room on the same floor as their LLC.
Compensation and Benefits
Peer Mentors will be compensated with:
$1000 stipend
Since Peer Mentors live on the same floor as their LLC, their housing placement will be high priority; Peer Mentors will
be able to select their roommate.
The University of Delaware is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant
on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any
classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Consistent with its obligations under federal law, each company that
is a federal contractor or subcontractor is committed to taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment
qualified women, minorities, disabled individuals, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and other
eligible veterans.
Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion, 305
Hullihen Hall, Newark, DE 19716 or (302) 831-8063.