Direct admit peer mentors

Everyone could use an experienced role model as they enter college. The Direct Admit Peer Mentoring Program provides an opportunity for current Tippie students to serve as mentors to directly admitted first-year students during their first semester. 

The role

You will be part of a teaching team that will include a UPO advisor and two or three peer mentors. Consider these people your peer-mentor-buddy. You will work side-by-side with a UPO advisor to plan your weekly seminars. As a peer mentor, you will lead discussion, answer questions, model resourceful student practices, and share your experiences. You'll build relationships with the first-year students in your seminar by being their resource for all things college. More specifically, your other responsibilities will include:

  • Perform course-related duties
    • Connecting students by using icebreaker and self-reflection activities
    • Assisting the instructor with class prep
    • Answering UI/Tippie-specific questions
    • Facilitating open discussion on first-year transition topics
  • Attend weekly training sessions to learn to facilitate the weekly content
  • Maintain contact with your peer mentor group once a week through fall semester
  • Work closely with professional staff to identify and work toward professional goals

See the full job description (pdf).

How to be a peer mentor

The program hosts its application and interview process for peer mentor recruits in the spring semester. Once you're selected, you will attend two training sessions in preparation for the upcoming seminar in the fall.

The application period for Fall 2024 is now closed.

Spring and fall training

There will be full-day trainings in the spring and fall to form your mentoring skills before they take action in the seminars. In order to be the best mentors possible to the incoming first-year students, attendance on both of these days is required. During these sessions, you will:

  • Review the first-year student learning outcomes and how you’ll help us to achieve them
  • Confirm your understanding of the peer mentor responsibilities and job description
  • Set expectations for working with instructing advisors, fellow peer mentors, and first-year students
  • Chat about the common first-year transition issues
  • Sharpen your facilitation and communication skills