Become a Peer Mentor
Job Descriptions: Peer Mentor | Associate Peer Mentor
Program Information
Nature of Life (NOL) offers incoming first-year students the opportunity to live and study intensively in small groups with faculty and student peers for three days at Lake Itasca. The core experience will be participation in three intensive seminars, led by a faculty member and including a group of approximately fifteen fellow students. It is also a chance for students to be immersed in the biological sciences, to learn about the resources available to them through both the college and University of Minnesota, and to collaborate with their peers, upper-class students, and faculty in constructing a community of scholars. Students are also encouraged to explore the full range of the university’s and college academic resources in workshops and individually.
The Nature of Life program is characterized by an atmosphere of intense academic exploration. The objectives of the program are:
- to personalize education for incoming students;
- to encourage a spirit of mentorship between students and faculty;
- to provide a small-group introduction to specific areas of the biological sciences;
- to introduce students interested in independent research to availabilities to do so through the University of Minnesota;
- to introduce students to laboratory and/or field resources; and
- and to provide freshmen with direct contact with faculty, staff, and peer advisors.
Peer Mentor Job Description
Peer Mentors act as advisors, residence staff, and teaching assistants to faculty in Itasca during the NOL experience (2009 dates are July 19 through August 1). In addition, Peer Mentors will work approximately 5 hours per week during the fall semester with the management of the NOL program (management of activity points and meeting with first-year students). An option is available for Peer Mentors to work during CBS first-year orientation in June and July. Additional compensation will be provided for the orientation and fall semester hours worked. Training and programming preparation will occur starting the week of July 6. Exact dates and times will be arranged upon hiring.
All Peer Mentors will:
- act as student Resident Assistants in the Itasca cabins
- serve as TA to faculty for their modules
- assist/set up for evening information sessions on University life
- arrive early to assist and trouble-shoot all events and activities
- assist other Peer Mentors in their sub-group responsibilities (i.e.- implement social activities planned by the programming team, etc).
Peer Mentors assigned to Orientation will:
- present an overview of the program to students.
- assist with transitional issues to college life and course registration.
- ensure that all incoming CBS students are registered for attendance at NOL.
During the fall semester, Peer Mentors will:
- plan and lead social/educational activities as follow up on campus.
- assist in management of first-year students’ completion of student choice activities.
Qualifications
- be enrolled at the U of M classes for spring semester 2009
- maintain enrollment through fall semester 2009
- evidence of excellent oral/written communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a variety of people including a diverse student body
- excellent organization skills, including the ability to manage and coordinate a variety of functions and to problem solve
- familiarity with University academic resources
- ability to maintain high level of self-motivation, humor, enthusiasm, and maturity
- availability and attendance of pre-program training and preparation (starting July 6).
Preferred: Current CBS sophomores, juniors or seniors, and previous experience working with student groups.
Applications
Please complete the Peer Mentor online application. Review of applications will begin on February 23 and interviews will take place March 2 – March 13.
Compensation
Peer Mentors will receive room, board, and $1500 for full-time work throughout the month of July (training and work up at Itasca - July 19 through August 1). Additional responsibilities during the fall (and orientation, if applicable) are compensated at $10/hour.
The position offers an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills and to connect with CBS faculty and administration.
Associate Peer Mentor Job Description
Associate Peer Mentors (APM) coordinate travel between St Paul and Itasca. They ensure all Nature of Life participants are registered, facilitate networking activities during transportation and implement program surveys. Training and programming preparation will occur the week of July 13. Exact dates and times will be arranged upon hiring.
All Associate Peer Mentors will:
- coordinate check in and registration
- ride the bus to and from Itasca
- facilitate networking activities and entertainment
- assist Peer Mentors and Nature of Life Coordinator as needed
Qualifications
- be enrolled at the U of M classes for spring semester 2009
- maintain enrollment through fall semester 2009
- evidence of excellent oral/written communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a variety of people including a diverse student body
- excellent organization skills, including the ability to manage and coordinate a variety of functions and to problem solve
- familiarity with University academic resources
- ability to maintain high level of self-motivation, humor, enthusiasm, and maturity
Applications
Please complete the Associate Peer Mentor online application. Review of applications will begin on March 9, 2009 and interviews will begin on March 23, 2009.
Compensation
Associate Peer Mentors will receive room, board, and a stipend of $500. Associate Peer Mentors are also able to participate in any student modules or have free time during the program sessions at Itasca State Park. Successful Associate Peer Mentors are also favored for Peer Mentor positions in subsequent summers.
The position offers an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills and to connect with CBS faculty and administration.
