Purpose of Position
The Indigenous First-Year Experience (IFYE) Peer Mentor (PM) role was created as an influential resource for first-year students transitioning to academic life at the University of Montana (UM). The PM is a part-time live-in student role who will co-mentor approximately 20 first-year tribally affiliated students with another PM. They are expected to work in tandem with the IFYE Program Director(PD) and IFYE Program Assistant(PA), and help develop a safe, engaging, and communal environment among the IFYE cohort. Peer mentors are expected to foster an atmosphere for academic, social, cultural, and emotional growth in the IFYE program, and collaborating with PD/PA to ensure the students’ general well-being, engaging evening events, community development, and safe learning environment. Understand the IFYE is part of the Coalition for Indigenous STEM, which is focused on creating a more inclusive and dynamic environment for UM’s historically excluded student populations.
Compensation and Time
This position is for one academic year with potential for longer position availability and there is no designated minimum or maximum number of hours. However, it is estimated that the role will require approximately 10-20 hours per week to complete the PM responsibilities. This could vary depending on the time of the semester (e.g., orientation, mid-terms, move-out). The hourly rate starts at $15 per hour. However, based on involvement, prior experience, and qualifications could have room for advancement/promotion.
Roles and Responsibilities
Community Development
Initiate and promote the development of the IFYE social, cultural, and educational programs as outlined by IFYE staff.
• Provide peer advising and academic support throughout the academic year to IFYE students.
• Increase PM availability within the cohort during critical periods for the students (e.g. orientation, mid-terms, finals).
• Attend and help day to day operations for the IFYE Summer Bridge College Prep program (July 5th-10th)
• Assist students in becoming a part of the community in their residence hall, at UM, and with the Native community both on and off campus.
• Acquaint self with the IFYE students through regular individual and group check-ins.
• Promote IFYE programming and other events through eye-catching and creative advertisement.
• Help residents develop individual respect for one another as well as respect for university personnel.
• Be aware of transition issues new students experience, attitudes, and behavioral patterns of residents within the IFYE Cohort.
• Know campus resources and refer students to appropriate university personnel as needed.
• Provide excellent customer service while working with students in day-to-day interactions.
• Facilitate and attend IFYE evening events, study hours, relevant programings, and cultural activities for students.
Administrative
• Complete program proposals, evaluations, and intentional interactions tracking requirements as outlined by IFYE staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with Residence Life and FERPA policies.
• Communicate student concerns with the IFYE staff and housing/floor RAs.
• Maintain presence at all IFYE events.
• Hold office hours (2) once per week when students would likely be present and or able to meet.
• Send weekly emails and GroupMe messages to IFYE students regarding upcoming events and updates.
• Attend weekly IFYE PM staff meetings.
Conduct
Reflect positive behavior and follow all UM Student Code of Conduct requirements, Residence Life policies, and State and Federal Laws both on and off campus.
• Report all Student Conduct Code violations and concerning behaviors to the Program Director.
• Serve as a role model by displaying a healthy balance of academic and college life.
Training
• Attend all departmental trainings (these are subject to change):
o PMs will be required to return to campus on July 5th for a one-week Summer Bridge (College Prep) for incoming IFYE Cohort. The 5th will be set aside for trainings prior to the the Summer Bridge.
o PMs will be required to return to campus in August approximately one week before the first day of freshmen orientation to participate in student staff training and IFYE orientation.
o PMs will be required to return to campus in January three days before the first day of classes to review student staff training.
Minimum Qualifications
Be a full-time student (12-18 undergraduate credits, 9-12 graduate credits).
• Be in good conduct standing with the university.
• Interest in working with people and being a role model.
Preferred Qualifications
• GPA of 2.5 or above.
• Junior year or higher standing.
About the IFYE LLC (College Prep) Summer Bridge Program
The IFYE Summer Bridge is associated with the IFYE seminar where incoming students can gain college prep math, writing skills, practice study skills, learn about resources pertinent to tribally affiliated students, and create community together. Help plan, prep, clean-up, and facilitate engaging whole group and small group ice breaking, problem solving, team building activities. Help students feel a sense of belonging and community.