Peer Mentor for STEM FYE

Title:

Department:

Science and Technology

Position Offered:

Student Assistant/Federal Work Study

Compensation:

7-9 Hours/Week @ $8.00/hr

Summary Description:

Student will assist in efforts to attract and retain more SSU Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) majors by assisting with efforts outlined in the recently awarded NSF Grant: "S3: STEPping up STEM at SSU."

At SSU, majoring in one or more of the following departments constitutes being a STEM major:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics & Astronomy
Computer Science
Engineering Science
Geology
Mathematics
Biochemistry
Earth Science

Student will help develop new workshops and assist in outreach activities. The activities include but are not limited to tutoring and mentoring SSU STEM majors, providing feedback and analysis, doing minor physical labor (under 20lbs lifting), performing onsite visits to SSU Preserves, serving as an instructional aide, assisting in teaching and development of new labs and workshops, attending naturalist training at the SSU Preserves.

1. Create Individual Bonds with Students

Meet with students on an individual basis to assist in the transition from high school to college. Encourage, promote, and participate with in- and out-of-class campus activities with students. Keep close contact with students via e-mail and in-person.

2. Introduce Students to Campus Resources

Provide students with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with campus resources. Be knowledgeable about and encourage students to utilize campus academic support and other services.

3. Serve as a Role Model

Encourage appropriate academic and personal habits through positive role modeling. Encourage students to develop short- and long-term goals for personal and academic achievements.

4. Promote an Acceptance and Understanding of Differences

Promote an atmosphere that is conducive to creating an appreciation, understanding and acceptance of individual differences and lifestyles regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, etc.

5. Provide Tutorship to STEM Majors

Help increase retention of STEM majors by providing tutoring in subjects in which you are qualified to help and to direct students to campus tutoring resources in the areas outside your expertise.

6. Complete Preserves Docent Training

In Spring of 2012, student will complete the SSU Preserves Docent Training program. This consists of 5-6 Sundays of all day training at the Fairfield Osborne Preserve. Student will be paid to complete the docent training.

Qualifications:

1. Required:

STEM Major. Mature, self-motivated, quick learner, able to work with minimum supervision and in teams. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills needed. Extensive knowledge of the Sonoma State University campus and programs. Must be able to work with diverse populations. Satisfactory completion of University 238 course (B or better). Minimum cumulative, and semesterly GPA of 3.0 at time of application and must maintain 3.0 GPA throughout hiring and employment. Must make a commitment to the program for 2 years. Minimum of 2 semesters completed as SSU by Fall. Must complete Univ 238 no later than the Spring 2012 semester (student will not be paid to take this course).

Must also be available to attend Spring Pre-Service on April 27th 1-5pm

2. Preferred:

Basic knowledge of computers, SSU e-mail and other campus systems.

Work Schedule:

Schedule	num. hours
Assisting in pre-class activities such as summarizing student pre-lecture responses and online/chat interactions.	2 hours
Tutoring with emphasis on afterhours and week end hours.	1 hour
Spread at discretion of faculty over multiple sections of the weekly class discussions and labs. Students will also serve as liaisons to preserves and other community	3 hours
Weekly in-service training.	1 hour
Specialized training and direct feedback with faculty.	1 hour
Total:	10 hours/week

How to Apply for this Position:

Go to www.sonoma.edu/saem/leadership to access all job descriptions. Beginning November 15th, go to the same website to access and submit your online application.
Attend an Information Session. Dates are listed in the application packet.
Submit your online application no later than 4:30pm on January 27, 2012.
Sign up on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 on-line for group process and individual interviews.
Once hired, you must attend six weeks of leadership workshops to maintain the position. The first workshop will be March 23, 2012; attendance is mandatory.

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