Peer Mentors
The Experience
As first-year, course-embedded peer mentor, you will work closely in collaboration with a UNI faculty member to create a welcoming and safe environment that challenges and inspires new students to actively engage in learning and open their minds to new possibilities both in and outside the classroom.
As a peer mentor and teacher, you will be asked to provide advice, make referrals, promote involvement and serve as a “teaching assistant,” in order to help new students develop a connection to the UNI community, engage in learning, and establish a sense of belonging and be successful college students.
The Reward
As a first-year peer mentor, you will gain valuable leadership experience characterized by close collaboration with faculty, classroom teaching opportunities and mentoring of first-year students. Through the training you receive, you will have the opportunity to learn about all that UNI has to offer and maybe even improve upon some of your own academic behaviors. You earn national peer educator certification and gain the experience necessary to pursue paid peer educator roles (peer advisor, undergraduate teaching-assistant, tutor, etc.) that put you on track to receive “Graduation with Distinction in Peer Education.” Finally, this experience will allow you to learn more about possible university career opportunities in academics and student life, including job opportunities in teaching, advising, counseling, residence life, wellness and campus activities planning.
The Details
First-year peer mentors are assigned to a specific section of a general education course (i.e. First-Year Cornerstone, etc) and work directly with the course instructor to support first-year UNI students and their transition to college. You will attend your assigned Cornerstone or FYO course regularly and lead brief classroom presentations on student success topics such as time management and study skills. Outside of class you will hold regular office hours, meet with students individually and in small groups, and periodically attend co-curricular activities with the class (e.g., lectures, performances, CAB events). To receive the necessary training to be a peer mentor, you must enroll in UNIV 1086: Studies in Peer Education, a 2-credit hour course.
The Requirements
- Current UNI undergraduate student with plans to enroll next semester
- Strong communication skills, as well as an interest in and commitment to first-year student success
- Openness to learning about academic and student support services and university policies and procedures
- UNI actively seeks to enhance diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.