Become a Peer Mentor

Western Washington University will be implementing a new year long, first year course series to support first-generation students. Each term a 1-credit course will be offered with a different focus area each term. Fall term will center on academic success and institutional navigation, winter term will have a co-curricular theme and spring term will turn its focus to extra-curricular experiences. A total of 6 sections will be offered each term with a class enrollment of 20 students per section. Classes will be held on Monday evenings from 4:00 – 4:50 pm and 5:00 – 5:50 pm.

Peer mentors will be hired to support the instructor with the classroom experience and will meet outside of class with students in their class section to help guide and provide resources. Peer mentors will share personal experiences to assist and help ease the transition from high school and/or previous colleges to Western’s campus and to serve as a role model.

A chance to…

• Contribute a valuable service and support to first-year students through classroom and co-curricular experiences
• Make personal connections and help first-year, first-generation students navigate Western
• Learn and use valuable mentoring and support skills (guiding, listening, building rapport with individuals)
• Receive leadership development and training opportunities, including coaching to improve professional skills
• Develop interpersonal and communication skills
• Work as part of a fun and dynamic team
• Participate in campus networking opportunities
• Gain relevant work experience that is transferable to future employment and resume development

• Attend assigned seminar class each week (Monday evenings, 4:00 – 4:50 pm or 5:00 – 5:50 pm) and support the instructor with seminar activities, as requested
• Maintain weekly contact with the instructor in advance of each class
• Participate in early bridge program activities in the week prior to the start of the fall term (9/16/2024 –9/20/2024)
• Participate in program retreats, training, and scheduled meetings in support of the FYE initiatives Develop, plan, and attend social and academic events with assigned mentees
• Meet with assigned students face-to-face and/or remotely, and develop an interpersonal relationship that encourages academic and personal growth
• Maintain student confidentiality
• Communicate regularly with the program coordinator
• Record observations, track, and document student interactions Submit timesheets and evaluations on time
• Perform other duties, as needed

• Commitment of one academic year (fall/winter/spring quarters) for employment
• Must be in good academic standing at the time employment begins and remain in good academic standing throughout the employment period
• Ability to complete asynchronous online learning modules via Canvas in early September (9/2/2024 – 9/15/2024)
• Ability to attend week-long early bridge program and onsite training (9/16/2024 – 9/20/2024)
• Ability to commit to working up to 15 hours per week, schedule may vary depending on the week
• Ability to attend and support weekly seminar class (Monday evenings, 4:00 – 4:50 pm or 5:00 – 5:50 pm)
• Ability to attend bi-weekly staff trainings/meetings, as needed

• Identify as a first-generation college student
• Previous mentoring or classroom assistance experience

• Familiarity with the barriers faced by underrepresented, first-generation, and/or low-income students
• On campus experience with a service or program or student group that supports student success
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to communicate with, listen to, and work well with peers, mentees and staff members
• Demonstrate positive attitude and energy

September 2, 2024 – June 13, 2025

Peer mentors will receive a wage of $18.00 per hour and work up to 15 hours per week. Peer mentors may be asked to work additional hours (i.e., training) with the approval of the program coordinator.

Questions about this position or application process should be directed to:

Bryce Sasaki
Academic Advising & Student Achievement Center Email: sasakib@wwu.edu
Phone: 360-650-2664