"Genetics: The Secret of Life" 2013-14 Peer Mentors

General Position Information

• A peer mentorship is a paid student position providing leadership to the “Genetics: The Secret of Life” Learning Community in order to improve learning and create a supportive academic community for our first-year and transfer students. The learning community is a year-long program.

• Peer Mentors are role models for lower classmen and assist them in achieving the goals of the program, which include:

• Student Development: Resourcefulness
• Capacity to succeed in a diverse and challenging major.
• Knowledge of the current and future impact of genetics.
• Awareness of out-of-class opportunities.
• Supportive Learning Environment:
• Foster connections between students, peer mentors, staff, and faculty.
• Build a safe environment for students to share their experiences and develop leadership skills.

Position Qualifications

• Student must be a Genetics major with at least sophomore status in Fall 2013 and have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
• A projected sophomore must have achieved a B or better in the following classes: BIOL 211 & 212, CHEM 177 & 178.
• A projected junior or senior must have achieved a B or better in the following classes: BIOL 313 and CHEM 331 OR CHEM 332 and MATH 160/165/181 in addition to the requirements listed for sophomores.
• Applicants must demonstrate evidence of leadership and interpersonal communication skills such as previous experience as a tutor, club officer, or peer mentor.
• Student must be able to commit to spending approximately 4 hours per week in Fall and 3 hours per week in Spring.
• Student must be able to attend Genetics 110 in Fall (Thursday, 2 p.m.)

Position Responsibilities

• Training and accountability:
• Participate in Peer Mentor Training the week prior to the beginning of fall semester (Monday August 19 and Tuesday, August 20, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). This is required for new peer mentors. Returning peer mentors are also welcome to attend.
• Attend peer mentor meetings with the coordinator (biweekly or monthly as scheduled).
• In collaboration with the Learning Community Coordinator:
• Participate in orientation sessions for incoming freshmen during the month of June, as available.
• Organize and lead group study sessions in either Biology or Chemistry.
• Attend and assist with Gen 110 Orientation Class activities on Thursdays at 2 p.m. (weekly, fall semester).
• Provide assistance in planning and carrying out large group activities such as service learning, field trips and faculty-student interactive events (monthly).
• Contribute to the learning community bulletin board and website.
• Total time commitment:
• Fall: 3-4 hours weekly
• Spring: 2-3 hours weekly

Application Process

• Download the application form as a Word document from the link on the right. Complete the form, providing all the information requested, and return it to Dr. Lois Girton, 103 Bessey Hall, by March 8th, 2013

Application for Peer Mentor position

• Application form

Applications are due Friday, March 8th, 2013 to Dr. Lois Girton, 103 Bessey Hall, or by e-mail.

If you have questions about peer mentorships, please contact Dr. Lois Girton (294-1606).