Faculty/Staff Mentoring Job Description

Orientation and Transition Programs in the Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA) is currently seeking  Faculty/ Staff Mentors for the First Year Mentoring Program for fall 2008. 

The First Year Mentoring Program is focused on assisting freshmen in their transition to Colorado State University. Last year, during Preview Orientation, students completed a plan for success in which they reflect on previous successes and state goals they want to achieve throughout their collegiate experience. We used that information from these success plans to intentionally pair each incoming first year student with specific groups to register for. 

This year, instead of being targeted for groups, for the first time ever in the history of the First Year Mentoring Program, new CSU students will have the opportunity to register for the mentoring program during Preview Orientation.  Orientation Leaders will lead students in a conversation specifically about the program, the benefits, and will allow students to sign up on the spot during orientation. 

This program provides an extremely flexible experience and pairs an upper-class Peer Mentor with a Faculty/Staff Mentor.  Groups can meet regularly throughout the fall semester, or the Faculty/Staff Mentor and upper-class Peer Mentor may choose to communicate in other ways (one on one contact, group contact, email, phone calls, etc).  

Throughout this program it is our hope that new CSU students begin to explore the goals they indicate on their success plan as well as some of the following: study skills, time management, tips for adjusting to college, the importance of campus and community involvement, making healthy choices, personal decision making, assertive communication, and conflict resolution skills.

Now… Here is the EXCITING PART…..

As a Faculty/Staff Mentor for the program, you can create what type of group you would like to lead.  We encourage you to think of your identities, your interests and your passions, and how you would be able to utilize that passion to engage a group of students who share a similar interest/passion and/or identity.  

This year, we would like to put more focus on the specific passions of Faculty/Staff Mentors, thus, helping to engage students with similar interests and move away from the broad area groups (i.e. student involvement, leadership).

Examples could include:  Sustainability, Food & Culture of Hawaii, Creating a Group around a specific book to read throughout the semester, Running and Bicycling, Student Media.  The opportunities are endless. 

Requirements of Faculty/Staff Mentors:

Faculty/Staff Mentors must have at least two years of experience at Colorado State University,  demonstrate significant experience working with students, fostering leadership development and a knowledge of student transition issues and resources. A master’s degree is preferred, but a bachelor’s degree is required. Full time, administrative professional employee Mentors will receive a stipend in appreciation of their time and commitment to the First Year Mentoring Program.  **Graduate students who would like to serve as Mentors also have the opportunity to serve as a Mentor.

The Application Process:

If you are a returning Faculty/Staff Mentor, you do not need to fill out an application, just communicate your interest with Keith Lopez via e-mail.  If you are a new Faculty/Staff Mentor to the program, please follow the link to fill out your online application:

http://www.otp.colostate.edu/ramconnections/hiring/mentorapp.cfm

Interest of Returning Mentors as well as Application for New Faculty/Staff Mentors are due by Friday, March 28, 2008. 

Information About Peer Mentors:

If you are a Faculty/Staff Mentor who is interested in leading a group and already has a Peer Mentor identified, that Peer Mentor MUST fill out an application and go through our Peer Mentor Selection Process, which includes an interview.   If you have a Peer Mentor identified, please let me know ASAP so I can make sure they receive the appropriate information.  Peer Mentors work closely with Orientation and Transition Programs Staff and will be required to attend Leadership/Professional Developments throughout the semester, and serve as a member of the New Ram Welcome Volunteer Team being established for fall 2008.  For the complete Peer Mentor job description, please see: 

http://www.otp.colostate.edu/ramconnections/hiring/peerdescription.cfm

**Please Note:  Returning Peer Mentors do not have to go through the selection process, but MUST meet with Keith Lopez to determine if returning to the role is mutually beneficial. 

The selection process for Peer Mentors was created in an effort to ensure that ALL Peer Mentors understand the expectations of the position, understand the role of the mentor, and will serve as a positive role model as a member of the Orientation and Transition Programs Team.  

Just to Review… Here is what we need from you BEFORE Friday, March 28, 2008:

1. Returning Mentors:
1. Your interest in leading a group in the fall.
2. What passion/identity/interest group you would like to lead
3. A name of a potential peer mentor (if applicable).
2. New Mentors:
1. An online application (which will cover all the information we need)

If you have questions, please contact Keith Lopez, keith.lopez@colostate.edu for more information.  Thank you for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you.