International Resident Assistant Peer Mentors provide peer leadership to international students through retention and recruitment activities. These student leaders work together to support international students as they transition to academic life in the USA. Peer Mentors work as a team with some shared responsibilities and some areas of individual leadership under the guidance of International Programs staff. Peer Mentors are required to live at Titan Court with our first year international students.
General Responsibilities for Resident Assistant Peer Mentors:
- Mentoring -- Support person for new international students (ESL & Credit). Serving as a cultural bridge to ease international students into American culture and Eugene, and academic standards in the US.
- Orientation -- Assist with the overall operation of Orientation as well as facilitate student sessions.
- Student Outreach -- Make weekly contact with mentees to promote and encourage their participation in co-curricular activities on campus and at Titan Court.
- Campus Navigation -- Connect mentees to available campus resources to support their academic successes and retention. Occasionally give campus tours to prospective and new international students.
- Event Development – Plan programs for students while collaborating with other peer mentors, staff and campus partners.
- International Ambassador – Create and support opportunities to engage with students, staff, and faculty to exchange international perspectives and intercultural understanding. Assist in the planning, promotion, and execution of events
- Campus Collaboration and Student Integration – Advocate and represent the international student community in working with other student leaders on campuses, such as the Student Government Association, clubs, and organizations in order to create meaningful opportunities for the exchange of ideas and experiences among all students.
- International Ambassador – Create and support opportunities to engage with students, staff, and faculty to exchange international perspectives and intercultural understanding. Assist in the planning, promotion, and execution of events.
- Campus Collaboration and Student Integration – Advocate and represent the international student community in working with other student leaders on campuses, such as the Student Government Association, clubs, and organizations in order to create meaningful opportunities for the exchange of ideas and experiences among all students..
Community Programming Model
Each Resident Assistant Peer Mentor will follow the Community Programming Model based on student learning outcomes to meet, assess, and celebrate the implementation of successful activities. Per term Peer Mentors will do programs in the following categories: :
- Social Engagement: Create opportunities for students to connect and engage in Titan Court and the greater community.
- Volunteer: Plan, organize and participate in volunteer activities based on student learning and engagement.
- Academic Success: Plan, organize, and participate in co-curricular activities, such as study groups, that assist with students academic success.
- Group Conversations: Meet with students who are struggling with English and want to practice their speaking. Assist with the development of mentoring and conversation relationship building.
- Health and Wellness: Create ways for student to connect holistically with their mental and physical health
Application Process
We seek mentors from all countries, and all knowledge levels to join our diverse group of mentors each year. Our hiring process begins in February during Winter term and the team of 10 student mentors is hired before Spring Term. Our hiring process has closed for the 2024-2025 academic year. For information about the application process or the Peer Mentor program, please email Lanehousing@lanecc.edu
Selected students will be vital contributors to a diverse group of student leaders and will gain valuable insight into the often challenging cultural adjustment process. The commitment is April 2024 – June 20 2025
Minimum Requirements include:
- Satisfactory academic progress (2.5 GPA)
- Residence in Titan Court
- Current enrollment and planning to enroll for Fall in at least 6 credits at LCC.
- Completed at least 12 credits or ESL level F block by the end of Spring term; or completed ESL level E block by the end of Spring term, and planning to complete level F during the Summer term.
- Two references, from a faculty, advisor, or supervisor (optional). For the reference letter, please have your reference person fill out our references submission form.
- Ability to commit one academic year and complete the application process, training, and Leadership Retreat, and attend International Student Orientation, departure and arrival dates, Study sessions, and corresponding events.
- Experience working, living, or studying in a cross-cultural setting.
- Excellent communication and intercultural skills, a willingness to meet new people and help them feel welcome at Lane, and the ability to learn new tasks or skills, broad computer skills, ability, and willingness to work during school breaks when orientation is held.
Training:
All mentors are required to attend mandatory trainings, including one overnight trip. Trainings cover Lane Community College and community resources, leadership, intercultural communication, conflict resolution, orientation processes, and more. Refer to the dates listed in the job description for specific information about trainings.