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SAW Peer Mentors include students from all class years, majors, language backgrounds, and interests. Students are selected to become SAW Peer Mentors on the basis of their interpersonal as well as oral and written communication skills. SAW Peer Mentors use a conversation-based approach grounded in research on peer-led collaborative learning. They work with students to develop transferable skills and to nurture students’ feelings of confidence and self-efficacy.
The SAW Mentor position is a paid on-campus position. Mentors typically work between 6-10 hours per week. A SAW Peer Mentor works at the SAW Center in the MEWS and as a classroom-based course mentor. A mentor may do one or both of the center and course mentor roles in a particular semester.
Course mentors work directly with a particular faculty member and the students enrolled in that course. Over the course of the semester, the mentor has the opportunity to work with the same small group of students. The course mentor’s role is to initiate and to build a mentoring relationship with students via class participation, one-on-one meetings, group discussions, workshops, etc. As a result, the students receive the benefit of a close relationship and regular one-on-one attention to their work. The mentors profit immensely from being mentored in turn by the exceptional MHC faculty members with whom they work.
In addition to their weekly mentoring work, all SAW Mentors engage with the program via 2-3 required staff meetings per semester and through participation in professional development activities. A diverse ongoing education series is crafted each semester by SAW Program leadership and mentors are required to select several workshops, panels, or discussions to attend.
Students must successfully complete our CUSP-212-01: Peer Mentoring training course before they begin their work as SAW Peer Mentors. This two-credit course is held during the second half of the spring semester on Monday evenings. Successful applicants will be invited to enroll. In this course, students receive training and education on theories and practices of peer mentoring and collaborative learning to prepare them for working as a SAW Peer Mentor. This course also includes a practicum that will provide students the opportunity to observe and lead several peer mentoring sessions. These sessions provide hands-on experience and are required to fulfill the practicum component of the peer mentor training.
Students are required to complete and submit the SAW Peer Mentor Application in its entirety before being considered as a SAW Peer Mentor. Components of the application include the job application in Workday, a supplemental form with background questions (class year, major, language proficiencies, etc.), and supporting documents (resume, cover letter, and writing sample). In addition to the application, students will need two professional references.
November
SAW Peer Mentor hiring cycle begins and the application is made available
Early January
SAW Peer Mentor applications due
Late January - Early February
Applicants receive notification if they have been selected for an interview with SAW Faculty.
February
Selected applicants are invited to enroll in the CUSP 212-01: Peer Mentoring course.
March
Peer Mentoring course begins with second half semester courses.
September
Students who successfully complete course with a B or higher begin their peer mentoring work.
SAW Mentor Hiring Tabling Sessions
11/3 - 11/14 | Dining Commons
Current SAW mentors will be tabling during lunches and dinners outside the Dining Commons to share their experiences with SAW and share application information.
SAW Mentor Hiring Info Session
Friday 11/14 | 10:30-11:30am | Dwight 202
Current SAW mentors will host an info session to discuss in detail what it is like to work as a SAW Peer Mentor. They will also explain and answer questions about the application and hiring process.
Application Drop-In Hours
12/1, 12/2, 12/3 | 12:30-1:30pm and 3:30-4:30pm | Dwight 214a
Associate director of the SAW Program, Jordan Lassonde, will be hosting drop-in hours to answer questions about the application and hiring process.