FYE Peer Mentors

The FYE Peer Mentor guides, supports and provides academic assistance to first year students at Cleveland State University. This position serves as an integral part of Inquiry Launch course requirement and the first-year student acclimation to campus life. Each Peer Mentor assists students in developing their knowledge, learning new skills, and bolstering their confidence to become independent learners with high academic performance. The Peer Mentor works closely with the Inquiry Launch instructor to plan and prepare for the course, attends each class, assists students in transitioning to Cleveland State University, and coordinates out-of-class opportunities for first-year students. Peer Mentors work an average of 4-8 hours a week depending on the needs of their class and students, compensated at up to $15.00 per hour. 

Position Responsibilities

• Assist the INQ instructor with the planning and preparation for the course, as needed.
• Attend all class sessions and demonstrate timeliness and effective time-management.
• Enthusiastically engage in classroom lessons (e.g., help facilitate class discussion, assist instructor with classroom management).
• Maintain regular contact with students (via email, Blackboard, or another chosen medium) as needed.
• Serve as an energetic and enthusiastic mentor to help first-year students succeed at CSU.
• Develop and maintain relationships with and provide assistance and support to first-year students (focus on a smooth transition, acclimation, and a sense of belonging).
• Coordinate out-of-class opportunities for students to learn about and explore the campus and its resources.
• Accurately record in-class and out-of-class activity attendance and provide this information to the instructor.
• Maintain confidentiality with any shared information.
• Attend mandatory Check-in and Professional Development meetings with other Peer Mentors and a Graduate Student Supervisor throughout the semester.
• Promote professionalism and contribute to a friendly and productive learning environment.
• Accurately and honestly record all hours worked on employment platforms.
• Uphold all CSU’s and FYE’s policies and expectations. 

Position Requirements

Peer Mentors must meet the following requirements: 

• Be a current CSU undergraduate student in good academic standing, with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher.
• Have successfully completed the Inquiry Launch course (or ASC 101) and/or at least 30 credit hours by the beginning of the Fall 2025 semester.
• Be able to attend a Group Introduction Meeting on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 and a one-day training on Monday, August 18, 2025.
• Have a genuine desire to work with students and help them succeed.
• Have the ability to relate to students from a variety of backgrounds and abilities.
• Have the ability and desire to work as a team member.
• Demonstrate an understanding and sensitivity towards challenges new students face when transitioning to college.
• Be knowledgeable about various resources on campus.
• Demonstrate time management, organizational and study skills, and effective learning habits.
• Possess effective communication skills (written and verbal) and the ability to communicate difficult concepts.
• Utilize strong critical thinking skills and the creativity to teach others to develop critical thinking skills.
• Be highly adaptable and willing to learn and implement new strategies for learning.
• Demonstrate a proficient level of knowledge when using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Blackboard, and the internet.

Benefits

Peer Mentors have the opportunity to build relationships with new students, develop leadership skills. and guide new students through their first semester at Cleveland State.

Apply NOW to be a Peer Mentor

We are currently recruiting Peer Mentors for the 2025-2026 academic year! The deadline to submit your application is April 11, 2025. To apply to be a Peer Mentor with the Office of First Year Experience, click here to complete the application. Please reach out to the Office of First Year Experience at FYE@csuohio.edu if you have any questions about this opportunity!

If you know of a student who would make a great FYE Peer Mentor, please click here to submit a recommendation!