PWSE - WiSE Learning Communities

The peer mentor is a student staff member who provides leadership in the WiSE Learning Community in order to reduce the isolation many transfer women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) feel. Mentors assist in achieving the goals of the program which include

Achievement

increased capacity to succeed in diverse and challenging curricula

develop community leadership skills

Student Development

increased career maturity

develop a greater sense of personal well-being

increased self-efficacy

Supportive learning environment

build a community, sharing common goals of scholarship and excellence

develop cross cultural understanding

The WiSE Learning Community is a year-long program. 10 – 20 transfer women from majors in science and engineering may participate. The mentor will serve as a role model and will help these new transfer students in making the transition to Iowa State University .

Qualifications
For consideration, candidates must possess the following qualifications:

Minimum grade point average of 3.0

Strong interpersonal skills

Knowledge of a wide variety of majors in several colleges

Positive attitude

Self-motivated

Junior or Senior standing

Required to attend Peer Mentor training in August prior to the beginning of school

Majoring in a STEM field (see PWSE website www.pwse.iastate.edu for a complete list)

Responsibilities
Peer Mentors for WiSE Learning Community will have the following responsibilities:

Meet bi-monthly on a one-on-one basis with your assigned students during the Fall semester and as needed during the Spring semester. (2 – 3 hours/wk)

Arrange and participate in social gatherings (e.g. study breaks, speakers, etc.) (1 – 2 hours/week)

Meet weekly with the WiSE Program Coordinator. (1 hour as needed)

Meet weekly with your learning team in the residence halls for study session or academic presentation.

Assist with assessment distribution and collection.

Keep a journal of individual team members and their personal development.

Maintain participant email list and provide information about the learning community to all members through this list

Assist learning community coordinator in planning field trips/site visits/retreats

Help students become familiar with university resources; advise and refer residents to appropriate university resources, as the need arises

Participate in service learning projects with the learning community spring semester

Participate in training the week prior to the beginning of fall semester and throughout the semester as needed.

Activities may include but not be limited to the following:

Organize several tours for your learning team per semester.

Encourage students to participate in at least one academic development program (For example a lecture or a presentation from academic or career services on time-management or study skills program.)

Organize a lunch/dinner/social activity with a professor from clustered courses in the residence halls.

Participate in one diversity program per semester.

Participate in one career development opportunity per semester.

Encourage team as individuals to take part in at least one campus organization.

Coordinate one social activity/team-building event per month for the program participants

Compensation
Peer mentors will receive a salary $8.00 per hour and work approximately 10 hours a week during the fall and spring semester. There is an opportunity for more hours if needed.

Application Process
Please complete the following application and submit it by February 24, 2006 to Emily Wilcox in 218 Carver Hall. Following review of all applications, interviews will be scheduled with applicants who meet the requirements. Interviews will last no longer than one hour and will be scheduled during the week of March 6, 2006 .

**The due date for peer mentor applications has passed.

Questions about the peer mentor position or the application process should be directed to:
Name: Jill Wyckhoff
Address: 218 Carver Hall
Phone: 515-294-9964
Email: ewilcox@iastate.edu