Want to become a University Studies Peer Mentor?

Apply to be a US Peer Mentor

 

Nominate a Student to be a US Peer Mentor

What is Peer Mentorship: 

Peer Mentorship provides an exciting and challenging opportunity for experienced students who are interested in mentoring first-year students as they transition to college. As a Peer Mentor, you work with your assigned instructor to help US 101US students: connect meaningfully to the readings, understand and utilize campus resources, discuss, analyze, and write about course texts which covers topics such as college, identity, multiple perspectives and social issues and offer moral support when needed.

You are the facilitator for involving new students in university life and in college level learning through reading, thinking, and dialogue. You, alongside the instructor, will help challenge students to think and communicate in a small group setting while developing critical listening skills and honing their writing abilities.  

Program Qualifications & Expectations:

Required Qualifications: 

Peer Mentors must meet the following requirements and be able to commit the necessary time and responsibilities for the role:
  • Be in good academic standing and in the second year or higher at MSU
  • Have successfully completed a US Core course (completion of any US Core course is sufficient)
  • Complete the Peer Mentor Application, including contact information for two (2) references from the MSU Community
  • Commit to attending a required pre-semester training in August prior to the start of the Fall semester
  • Enroll in and regularly attend US 460 - Peer Leadership during the Fall semester for weekly training and support
  • Attend all class meetings of US 101US seminar course they are paired with
  • Be available to meet one-on-one with students during the first 3 - 4 weeks of the semester
  • Participate in occasional out-of-class events, including University Studies Major Madness event and other campus engagement events

Expectations of Peer Mentors: 

Peer Mentors are expected to actively engage in their role and model positive academic and personal behaviors for first-year students:
  • Serve as a positive role model and example of a successful MSU student, both in and outside of the classroom.
  • Commit to a high level of personal ethics, responsibility, and professionalism
  • Positively represent University Studies, the First Year Seminar Program, and Montana State University
  • Communicate regularly with students, including reaching out to students who may be struggling and offering ongoing support throughout the semester
  • Help normalize the academic expectations of college life and support students’ transition to MSU
  • Develop an understanding of MSU policies, procedures, and available campus resources
  • Engage as a member of a supportive Peer Mentor team - building connections, learning from others, and contributing to a collaborative environment.
  • Commit approximately 6 hours per week: attend the paired US 101US class (3 hours/week), attend US 460/492 (2 hours/week) and prepare class notes (30-60 minutes/week). Additional University Studies Peer Mentor events may be scheduled throughout the semester and require your attendance and participation.

Classroom Role & Responsibilities: 

With training and support provided through US 460, Peer Leadership, Peer Mentors will support students and their paired instructor in the US 101US classroom by:
  • Lead icebreakers and other class activities
  • Promote campus involvement and engagement opportunities
  • Refer students to key MS resources, including tutoring, counseling, academic advising, and others
  • Act as a general point of support for academic learning platforms
  • Guide and support students through course curriculum and class discussions
  • Encourage critical thinking, learning, and understanding in a supportive and collegial environment

Benefits of Being a Peer Mentor:

  • Help new students navigate the transition to college while making a meaningful impact on the MSU community

  • Build leadership, communication, and mentoring that translate to many professional careers.

  • Gain leadership experience that looks great on a resume or graduate school application

  • Earn upper-division credit through US 460, Peer Leadership, which counts toward upper-division degree requirements

Overall, serve as a good example of a successful MSU student 

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