What are the responsibilities and job description for the Peer Mentor position at Keuka College?
Description
Under the supervision of the Student Life Office, Peer Mentors (PMs) are well-trained in the exciting opportunities that Keuka College provides for its students, campus resources, and college policies and procedures. The purpose of Peer Mentors is to connect with their first year and transfer students after New Student Orientation throughout their first academic year at Keuka College to ensure they are finding their way to academic and personal success. Peer Mentors will provide ongoing support throughout students’ first year by assisting them in navigating college. In addition, Peer Mentors will be trained to provide academic coaching in skills necessary for college success, such as time management, study skills, test-taking skills, and stress management. As a Peer Mentor, you will have the opportunity to share what you know about being a successful student who meets their academic goals while living an engaged and exciting extra-curricular life at Keuka College. Peer Mentors will be employed August 1, 2025 – May 14, 2026.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Support first year students to build relationships and a sense of belonging at Keuka College.
- Engage consistently with mentees through designated contact points through various methods (e.g., office hours, individual meetings, technology, small and large group settings, restorative practices, supporting programming and beyond).
- Support new students by assisting in staffing the ASK Desk in Lightner Library
- Promote and encourage attendance at campus events and involvement in recognized clubs and organizations.
- Share campus policy and procedure information with mentees.
- Refer mentees to campus support services as needed and immediately report critical issues to their supervisor.
- Model appropriate academic and social attitudes and behaviors.
- Maintain professional communication with supervisor, including attending weekly staff meetings, developmental training sessions, one-on-ones with supervisor(s), and contributing to peer mentor program improvement efforts.
- Wear a Peer Mentor shirt or name tag to events and maintain professionalism during employment.
- Check Keuka College email and Peer Mentor group chat regularly (at least once a day).
- Be responsible for ensuring that assigned tasks are completed in compliance with various institutional and regulatory requirements.
- Always maintain a professional and courteous attitude towards co-workers, internal and external customers, representing Keuka College, its programs, policies, and procedures in a positive and professional manner.
- Maintain effective working relationships to ensure institution-wide teamwork.
- Consistently demonstrate high standards of integrity by supporting the Keuka College mission, vision, and values and adhering to institutional policies.
- Maintain a high regard for student privacy in accordance with the FERPA privacy policies and procedures.
- Regular and reliable attendance is expected and required.
- Perform other functions as assigned by management.
Physical Requirements:
- Evening and weekend hours required.
- Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.
Requirements
- Must be of full-time student status (12 or more credits) and must maintain full-time status for duration of position.
- Must be a matriculated Keuka College student with at least Sophomore standing (30 earned credit hours) at the time of employment.
- Must have completed at least two semesters of attendance at Keuka College at the time of employment.
- Must be in good academic standing with a GPA of at least 2.50. If this status is not maintained, the person may lose their position as a Peer Mentor or be placed in a probationary status until improved or rectified for up to one semester.
- Must maintain a good student conduct standing. The Peer Mentor job is that of a role model. A Peer Mentor must not be on probationary status with the College for violating any policies. If found to be responsible for or involved in any incidents violating College policy could be subject to the Community Standards process or terminated.
- Must have active involvement in at least one recognized Keuka College extra-curricular activity.
- Exhibits a desire to facilitate other students’ transition to college and address student needs.
- Has the ability and desire to work with the diverse population of Keuka College student peers.
- Exhibits strong interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
- Must attend all training sessions throughout the summer (online) and academic year (in-person and online).
- Two semester (Fall/Spring) commitment (Spring employment contingent on positive Fall evaluation); additional semesters based on evaluation, need, and budget.
- Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
- Always understand and behave with a high level of integrity and complete confidentiality.
- Ability to be sensitive to and respond to needs/concerns of students, faculty, College staff and the public.
- Ability to work under pressure with a high tolerance for interruptions, and the ability to work with diverse groups of people.
- Ability to pivot and focus quickly without guidance.
- Maintain a high regard for student privacy in accordance with the FERPA privacy policies and procedures.