Become a First-Year Mentor—Deadline, Tonight

We are excited to announce the launch of a new First-Year Experience program through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.  The goal of this program is to provide a seamless student support model beginning during the admissions process and continuing through each student’s first year at Illinois Tech. Through this initiative, we are committed to empowering students to make a successful transition from high school to Illinois Tech through a combination of individual, small group, and whole-group supports including, but not limited to a First-Year Seminar, small discussion groups, and individual check-ins.  

In order to make this program a reality, we hope to hire and train a group of student mentors who will each be responsible for guiding and nurturing a group of first-year students. I have attached the official job description for more detail  Student mentors will be tasked with the following: 

  • Attending the weekly First-Year Seminar 
  • Facilitating a bi-weekly discussion group 
  • Meeting individually with each mentee 3 times per semester 
  • Tracking and providing feedback on assignments 
  • Planning one social event for the small group each semester 

Through the combined efforts of our student mentors and First-Year Experience staff, we hope to provide students with the knowledge, resources, and necessary skills to fully engage with the Illinois Tech community and create their desired college experience.  The application for the First-Year Mentor is open until July 23, 11:59 p.m. Central Time.

Application is linked HERE

Please see the First-Year Mentor job description below.

Illinois Tech First-Year Mentor Job Description

WHO

FYE Mentors are specially selected Illinois Tech students from across the University’s schools and colleges ranging in class rank from Sophomores to Seniors. These students are given a unique opportunity to mentor an FYE class with a faculty or staff member.

WHAT

FYE Mentors play key roles in assisting first-year students with the transition to Illinois Tech. As FYE mentors, students gain leadership, teaching, communication, peer counseling, planning, and presentation skills. Mentors work cooperatively with instructors to serve as role models for first-year students. Potential FYE Mentors should be genuinely concerned with the needs of new students and actively seek to aid them with their successful transition to the Institution. Mentors should be proactive in helping direct students to different opportunities and resources on campus. Above all, they should serve as a “peer” resource that the students feel comfortable approaching at any time with questions or concerns.

Responsibilities:

  • Attend assigned FYE seminar each week
  • Attend and actively participate in the three-day training on August 5, 6, 7, 3-5 pm. 
  • Meet weekly with your FY liaison to plan and coordinate topics and activities
  • Connect students with resources on and off-campus
  • Listen to student issues and meet with them one-on-one
  • Lead students during in-class activities and help coordinate out-of-class activities
  • Respond to student e-mails
  • Track and provide feedback on student attendance, participation, and assignments
  • Help with myIIT and manage a personal tab to post resources for the students
  • Present topics and lead discussions relevant to first-year students
  • Coordinate an all group meeting once a week for the first four weeks of the semester, then move to a bi-weekly format
  • Host at least three 1:1’s with students throughout the semester, first within the first two weeks, second during midterms, and third in November/December.
  • Plan one social event per semester for your group 

Benefits:

  • A stipend of four hours a week at $14.00 and building your resume
  • Gain leadership, teaching, communication, peer counseling, planning, and presentation skills
  • Meet other mentors and students at Illinois Tech who share a similar leadership role
  • Connect and work closely with a faculty or staff member

HOW

In order to be an FYE Mentor, you must:

  • Attend mandatory three-day summer online training in August
  • Demonstrate pride in Illinois Tech and the ability to share experiences with others
  • Conduct yourself in a professional manner when representing the University
  • Communicate effectively with first-year students
  • Remain in good standing with the University 

Applications are a multi-step process comprising a written application, an in-person interview, and a program contract. Those selected to be FYE mentors will be notified of their acceptance in the week of August 3, with mandatory training the following week.