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» FRESHMEN » FYS 101 » Peer Mentors

Become an FYS 101 Peer Mentor

Want to help new students succeed at UT? The SSC is looking for qualified undergraduate students to become First-Year Studies 101 Peer Mentors. Peer Mentors assist faculty and staff instructors in a section of FYS 101 for the fall term.

Former Peer Mentors had this to say about their experience:

“I enjoyed getting to know the freshmen students. I've been conducting one-on-ones with them, and it's been great to see how they have been listening during class and they are comfortable coming to me with questions."

“I led a class on using DARSWeb and how to make advising effective. I also shared my own experiences each class period as related to the day's topic.”

Details & Application Procedure

Peer Mentors serve as role models, advisors, and contact persons for FYS 101 students; work cooperatively with other peer mentors and your instructor; demonstrate mature, responsible decision making; serve as a resource on campus services and activities; and assist students in solving problems and getting involved on campus.

New FYS 101 Peer Mentors will receive two credit hours for their service: one for completing Peer Mentor Training (FYS 401) in spring and one for serving as a Peer Mentor (FYS 402) in fall.  Returning Peer Mentors, because they will not be required to take the training course again, will receive one credit hour for serving as a Peer Mentor (FYS 402) in Fall. 

New Applicant Returning Peer Mentor
Successfully complete FYS 401-Peer Mentor Techniques, during Spring, Volunteer to assist, upon request, at some of the Spring FYS 401 classes,
Respond to communications made to you by SSC staff and your assigned Instructor over the course of the summer in preparation for FYS 101 in the Fall, Respond to communications made to you by SSC staff and your assigned Instructor over the course of the summer in preparation for FYS 101 in the Fall,
Actively participate in your assigned FYS 101 section by assisting your instructor and engaging the students in class activities and discussions, Actively participate in your assigned FYS 101 section by assisting your instructor and engaging the students in class activities and discussions,
Contact students outside of class to facilitate their successful transition into the UT community, Contact students outside of class to facilitate their successful transition into the UT community,
Commit 2-4 hours per week of your time to FYS 101 during the Fall semester. Commit 2-4 hours per week of your time to FYS 101 during the Fall semester.

 

What happens next?

Selection:
The peer mentor application and selection is a comprehensive process, which includes the following:

  • Students must complete the Peer Mentor application and have their reference forms completed and submitted online at the SSC website by the due date.
  • Students must successfully complete the FYS 401 Peer Mentor training course (including attendance, completion of assignments and class participation)  and attend the “what happens next” meeting held in May.  Please note the FYS 401 training course is part of the interview process but does not guarantee selection.
  • Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.50, must have completed at least 12 hours of coursework at UT by the end of the spring semester, and must have no evidence of disciplinary action by the Office of Judicial Affairs.

Before you apply:

  • Before you click the button below to submit your application online, have available the name and UT email address of the UT Faculty/Staff you have selected to be your reference (new applicants only) and prepare answers to the following questions:
    • Why do you want to be a FYS 101 Peer Mentor?
    • Describe one experience or interaction with one person from your first year at UT that made an impact on your career as a successful student and member of the UT community.
    • What do you believe are your personal attributes/qualifications that would contribute to the success of first-year students and the FYS 101 Peer Mentor program?
    • You have been asked to instruct a session in your FYS 101 class. In detail, give a description of the topic that you would present to the class and why you chose that topic (i.e. what do you think new students need to know about college-life and UT?).
    • If you are a Returning Peer Mentor, please describe one aspect of participating in FYS 101 which you have really enjoyed and an aspect that you think could be improved upon and how.
  • Also have your spring schedule handy (new applicants only) so that you can select which FYS 401 section you wish to take.
  • After you submit your application online, we will contact your UT Faculty/Staff reference and ask them to submit your reference online.
  • You will be contacted shortly after spring term begins with further information.

Apply Here to become a FYS 101 Peer Mentor 2012 Application