First-Year Programs

Job Description

Peer Mentors play a pivotal role in the NKU Academy

Mentors develop an interpersonal relationship with Academy Scholars that helps Scholars become academically and socially acclimated to Northern Kentucky University.

Peer Mentors for the NKU Academy are NKU students who are willing to act as role models displaying good behavior, positive attitude and academic excellence. Mentors are an academic and personal resource for Academy Scholars; encouraging Scholars to take charge of their lives and work to achieve their academic and personal goals. Peer Mentors work with Scholars in a manner that promotes collaborative learning, self-confidence and self-esteem.

Qualifications/Characteristics

  •  Available to live in the residence halls during the NKU Academy--June 30 to August 8, 2008.
  • Available to attend training prior to the NKU Academy.
  • Junior, senior or graduate standing is preferred. Sophomore standing by the start of the NKU Academy is required.
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.
  • Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Comfortable facilitating groups of 20-25 students.
  • Ability to demonstrate and encourage collaborative learning techniques.
  • Positive attitude.
  • Familiarity with campus and the resources available to students.
  • Work effectively as a member of a team.
  • Self motivated, dependable and able to work independently.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Be approachable and model appropriate behaviors for NKU Academy Scholars.
  • Facilitate assigned peer mentor sessions after class period in Developmental Math, Reading and/or Writing. These occur five days per week.
  • Assist with the facilitation of Energizers during the Academy.
  • Assist with the UNV 101--Orientation to College and Beyond class.
  • Live on campus; be actively involved and available in the residence halls during the NKU Academy.
  • Organize, plan and facilitate evening programs during the week and weekends.
  • Be on duty during the week and weekends (see below On Duty).
  • Facilitate evening peer mentor sessions using collaborative learning, study groups, etc.
  • Take attendance at all peer mentor sessions and programs.
  • Meet with NKU Academy Director a minimum of once each week during the Academy.
  • Attend training sessions for Peer Mentors prior to the NKU Academy.
  • Due to the time commitment, Peer Mentors will not be able to take classes or have additional jobs during the five week Academy.

On Duty
"On Duty" during the week means being on the wing or in your room from 6 p.m. until 8 a.m. the following morning. During these "duty" evenings, peer mentors will facilitate the evening's program and peer mentoring session. "On Duty" during the weekend means being in your room or on the wing from 6 p.m. until 8 a.m. and on campus and available by phone, when you're not in your room or on the wing. During your duty weekend you are responsible for the weekend program.