Peer Mentor for Science 120/121 FYE

Title: Peer Mentor for Science 120/121 FYE
Department: Science and Technology
Position Offered: Student Assistant
Compensation: 10 Hours/Week @ $10/hr

Summary Description

Selected student will serve as a peer mentor for both the Fall Science 120 and the following Spring 121 courses. The peer mentor's responsibilities are multifaceted. It is their goal to serve as a liaison between faculty and students, develop and implement transitional element curriculum, actively model good student behavior, assist in efforts leading to long term retention of Science 120/121 cohort, and assist with logistics of large group and field research. Science 120 and Science 121 freshman year experience is a yearlong freshman experience program based on an interdisciplinary approach to water sustainability and the regional area. The two courses combined make up 12 academic units; satisfying 4 GE units of A3 (Critical Thinking), 3 GE units of B2 (Biology), 4 GE units of B4 (Pre-calculus), 1 GE unit of Lab. Science 120 is more content driven whereas Science 121 focuses on collaborations with community partners and project based learning. This course highlights departments and programs of Biology, Chemistry, Physics & Astronomy, Computer Science, Engineering, Geology, and Mathematics.

Job Responsibilities

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. Understand SSU's role in the sustainability efforts of our regional watershed
   Peer Mentors will complete the SSU Preserves Docent Training program. This consists of 5 Sundays of all day training at the Fairfield Osborne Preserve. Fairfield Osborne Preserves is uniquely situated at the head of Copeland Creek and an integral part of our research projects, reinforcing the regional context of the course. 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) or equivalent leadership experience. 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 1 year. Minimum of 2 semesters completed as SSU by Fall.
2. May not be a peer mentor for another FYE program.
3. Preferred:
   Basic knowledge of computers, SSU e-mail and other campus systems.

How to Apply for this Position:

1. Go to www.sonoma.edu/saem/leadership to access all job descriptions. Beginning November 1st, go to the same website to access and submit your online application.
2. Attend an Information Session. Dates are listed in the application packet.
3. Sign up for the Foundations of Leadership Class, UNIV 238.
4. Submit your online application no later than 4:30pm on January 25, 2013.
5. Sign up January 29-31, 2013 on-line for group process and individual interviews.

QUESTIONS?

Questions about the Science 120/121 Peer Mentor position should be addressed to the following coordinator:

Jeremy Qualls, Professor, Physics & Astronomy
quallsj@sonoma.edu
707-664-2256