MLS Peer Mentors

Multicultural Leadership Scholars
Peer Mentor for MLS Position Description (AY 2017/2018)

Peer Mentors for MLS positions are voluntary.  Academic credit in EDUC 2920, Leadership Practicum 2 (one credit hour) is available to you as a part of the benefit of becoming a Peer Mentor for the MLS.  You must complete the appropriate application field if you intend to earn academic credit for your service.  Given the responsibilities below, you should expect to work approximately 4-6 hours per week.  You will receive on-going guidance, instruction and support from the MLS practicum coordinator and other MLS staff and faculty.

NOTE:  Given the nature of their role, Peer Mentors for MLS will attend all First year practicum classes during the fall and spring semesters.  MLS Practicum (EDUC 2910) is Tuesday, 4:00pm-5:15pm.  Please plan your personal, academic and professional schedule accordingly.  Additionally, we will meet on Tuesday, 5:30pm – 6:45 pm each week during each semester for the EDUC 2920 class.

General Requirements:

  • You must be willing to complete all required university and department training,

including one week before classes begin (usually on Thursday or Friday)

  • You must be accountable, responsible and demonstrate the ability to follow-through on tasks
  • You must have the ability to uphold the confidentiality policies governing our program
  • You must have good interpersonal and communication skills
  • You must have a working knowledge and understanding of the MLS program
  • You must have an understanding of multicultural community building and culturally competent leadership
  • You must be committed to helping first-year students have a successful MLS experience

Position Responsibilities:

  • Attend regularly scheduled planning meetings and training
  • Complete all assigned readings on time
    • Assist in the planning and delivery of MLS practicum curriculum and activities
  • Facilitate or monitor small group discussions
  • Provide input in assessing student work
  • Assist in documenting program activities and events (with photos, summaries, evaluations, etc.)
  • Assist in the promotion, success and development of the MLS as an intentional multicultural leadership community

 

Multicultural Leadership Scholars
Peer Mentor for MLS Expectations

Accountability – As a Peer Mentor for the MLS, you will be expected to show up on time and conduct yourself in a manner conducive to the productivity of the class.  You will be responsible for remembering the times and dates of scheduled meetings and events and showing up for them accordingly.  If you are unable to make it to a meeting, practicum, class time or event (or know that you are going to be late), it is your responsibility to notify the practicum coordinator prior to your absence or tardiness.

Confidentiality – Your role as a Peer Mentor for MLS requires you to uphold the program’s confidentiality policy.  Due to the nature of the content discussed in the leadership classes as well as the practicum, personal experiences and information are often shared with the group.  In addition, due to your roles in the classroom, students may feel compelled to talk with you about very personal matters.  As such, you should understand that this information is not to be made public or discussed with others outside of the MLS faculty and staff.  The only exception would be if the student were at risk of harming herself/himself, or someone else (in this case, tell your faculty member immediately and they will contact a support office).  Otherwise, all shared information is to remain a part of the class setting or as a matter of personal information.  Please also see FERPA guidelines.

Commitment – We understand that as a busy college student you are going to have other commitments that require your time and presence.  Nonetheless, your position as a Peer Mentor for the MLS is a professional commitment (whether paid or on a volunteer basis) and should be attended to accordingly.  It is expected that you will plan your other school and extra-curricular activities around the responsibilities you have with the program when appropriate and possible. 

Preparedness – Peer Mentors for the MLS contribute to the teaching, guiding, and support of the students.  As such, you should come prepared to each class session – you should inform yourself of what is scheduled to take place during that class period and you should have read the appropriate material.  In the event that you are called upon, you should feel comfortable jumping in to lead small group discussions, activities or debriefs.

Roles and Responsibilities – As a Peer Mentor for the MLS and emerging leader you are providing an example to the students by your actions in the classroom and through your interactions with them.  When you are in class, it is your first priority to inter-mingle with the students, rather than with the other PMs.  In addition, you should see your role as a mentor, although the age difference is slight you do have a level of experience they have not yet been exposed to, therefore any guidance or assistance you can offer them is key.

Communication – Email is the official form of University communication. Our program tends to use email to post announcements, get in touch with students, prep for an event, plan meeting times and post changes to scheduling. Although we expect you to call or stop by at any time if you have questions or concerns, checking your email on a daily basis will help to keep you informed.  Please remember to respond to email to ensure us of your receipt.