TRIO SSS Peer Mentor Program

The TRIO Student Support Service programs at Grand Valley State University are committed to increasing the rates of academic achievement, retention, and graduation among historically underrepresented students. This is accomplished by providing holistic and individualized support services that maximize students' innate abilities and draw upon available resources within and outside of the University to benefit students, families and the larger community.

We create a safe and comfortable environment that promotes belonging. Together with students, we offer activities, experiences and opportunities congruent with the educational mission of the university and student’s educational aspirations. Through interventions that foster dialogue with students, staff, and faculty, we provide mentees with educational support.

Through active involvement in the process of their own education, mentees are empowered to further their individual development, contribute to the positive development of their community, value diversity, and increase their investment in and commitment to learning

 

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How A Peer Mentor Can Help You?

General Description

A peer mentor is a student staff member who provides leadership for participants in the TRIO SSS Programs. Mentors help achieve the program goal of supporting first-generation and low-income students pursuing degrees in all majors. TRIO SSS Peer Mentor Program is a yearlong program. Each mentor will be assigned to help first-year and transfer students at Grand Valley State University in exploring and succeeding in their perspective majors.

  • Assistance with locating campus resources
  • Advising help (assistance with scheduling classes)
  • Academic planning
  • Goal setting
  • Navigating Blackboard
  • Study Tables
  • Midterms and Finals Breakrooms
  • Faculty Interaction and Support
  • Social and educational planning
  • Acclimation with classes and the community
  • A neutral sounding board
  • A relationship with an upper-class student who has experienced what you are, or might in the future experience and can provide perspective

Interested in having a peer mentor? 

If you are not a first-year or transfer student and would like a mentor

Apply for a Mentor


Interested in Becoming a Peer Mentor?

Requirements

In order to be a peer mentor you must meet the following required qualifications: 

· Active participant in TRIO SSS Program’s or like program (CSAL)

· Demonstrate knowledge of campus and community resources

· Cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher

· Excellent oral and written communication skills

· Computer literacy

Responsibilities

Peer mentors are expected to complete the following responsibilities: 

Preferred Qualifications:

· First Generation Student

· Experience working with underrepresented students with diverse backgrounds

Responsibilities:

· Mentor undergraduate students throughout academic year

· Refer students to appropriate university resources, as the needs arise

· Meet with mentee at least once a month

· Understand and abide by the set rules of student confidentiality

· Provide regular written documentation of interaction with mentees

· Regularly attend scheduled monthly mentor meetings

· Serve with TRIO SSS at events as time permits

· Other duties as assigned by program superviso

Apply Below!

Application Requirements: 

  • Application Requirements:

    · 1 page Cover Letter:

    o Refer to job application for Cover Letter prompts

    · Resume

    Compensation:

    · $13.20/hour, approximately 5 hours/week

    Completed application materials or questions may be submitted to:

    TRIO SSS CLASSIC - Charlotte Balkus- [email protected] TRIO SSS STEM-Health Sciences - Raven McClinon- [email protected]

Apply to be a Mentor

Peer Mentor


Page last modified July 25, 2023