SCBC: First Generation Peer Mentor (S99802)

Summary

First-Generation Peer Mentors are trained student leaders who help first-year first-generation-to-college students find community, thrive academically, and feel at home at Bates. As part of the SCBC and the Bobcat First and Kessler Scholars Programs, Peer Mentors build meaningful relationships, offer individualized support, and contribute to a campus-wide network that uplifts first-generation students.

Each Peer Mentor works with a cohort of intentionally grouped first-year students and helps create a welcoming environment through one-on-one check-ins, group activities, and weekly drop-in “Mentoring Hours.” Peer Mentors also support major first-gen initiatives throughout the year, including Summer Pre-Orientation and First-Generation Week.

Basics

  • Department: Student Center for Belonging and Community (SCBC)
  • Supervisor: Kayla Bridgeman
  • Office Location: Chase Hall
  • Email: kbridgem@bates.edu
  • Hours: 5
  • Workers: 2-3

Responsibilities

Mentorship & Student Support– Build supportive relationships with an assigned cohort of first-year first-gen students.– Provide regular one-on-one check-ins, share campus resources, and help students navigate their transition to Bates.– Host weekly Mentoring Hours open to all first-gen students.Community Building & Outreach– Encourage student participation in first-gen programs, events, and workshops.– Help create inclusive, welcoming spaces for students from diverse backgrounds and experiences.Program Support & Leadership– Support signature Bobcat First and Kessler Scholars events (e.g., Summer Pre-Orientation, First-Generation Week, social gatherings, workshops, and field trips).– Act as a positive role model and representative of First-Generation Programs and the SCBC.– Maintain confidentiality, uphold community values, and practice leadership through the Bates Leads framework.Training & Meetings– Attend all required training sessions and staff meetings (typically once a week).– Arrive on campus approximately one week before the start of fall classes to support Pre-Orientation.-Actively encourage and recruit students to first-generation programs and events, as well as other activities, workshops, and programs held on campus, promoting deeper exploration of first-generation student interests and encouraging curiosity for new experiences.-Participate and assume leadership within required signature Bobcat First and Kessler programs, including but not limited to Summer Pre-Orientation, the First-Generation Dinner, field trips, and the Senior Gala-Serve as a mentor for an assigned cohort of program participants by connecting them to resources, activities, student organizations, and programs across campus.-Act as a positive role model in all aspects of interaction with the campus community, being always mindful that First-Generation Mentors are representatives of the Bobcat First and Kessler programs as well as the SCBC, and maintain behavior and comments that reflect positively on the office.-Attend all required First-Generation Mentors meetings and trainings.-Recognize and maintain confidentiality of student information.-Commitment to personal leadership development through application of the Bates Leads framework in all aspects of the work

Requirements

1. Ability to be Bates Work Authorized2. Be a first-generation student currently enrolled in the Bobcat First or Kessler Scholars program3. Enrolled as a rising Sophomore, Junior or Senior at Bates4. Demonstrate a willingness to support first-generation students and their success5. Demonstrate dependability, punctuality, and strong organizational skills6. Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships with students, staff, faculty and community partners7. An investment in equity, access, and anti-racism and demonstrated ability to cultivate a welcoming space that is supportive of all identities8. Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and collaboration9.Reliability, maturity, strong organizational skills and attention to detail10. Demonstrated awareness of, sensitivity and commitment to diversity and inclusivity and to serving the needs of a culturally and educationally diverse community

Reporting

Reports directly to the Assistant Director of First-Generation Programs, works closely with First-Generation Programs & SCBC professional staff

Working Conditions

Peer Mentors work primarily in Chase Hall in the Student Center for Belonging and Community, but may be expected to provide or attend programming at other locations across campus and occasionally off campus.