ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE PROGRAM

The University Experience Program (UEP) promotes the success of all CI students through courses that:

Highlight the four CI mission pillars (multicultural, international, interdisciplinary, and civic engagement/service learning);

Scaffold the learning of critical thinking competencies and multiple literacies;

Focus on the transition to university studies;

Embed high-impact learning practices such as learning communities, undergraduate research, and interdisciplinary learning; and

Employ faculty- and peer-support strategies.

The UEP pools institutional support and external resources to provide a collaborative platform to bring together high-impact learning experiences for students in the following courses: UNIV 150 First-Year Seminar, UNIV 198 First-Year Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship, UNIV 250 Second-Year Seminar, and UNIV 349 Transfer-Year Seminar.

To learn more about UNIV Curriculum, please visit http://www.csuci.edu/islas/universityexperience/curriculum.htm#course.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The role of Embedded Peer Mentor (EPM) is to support the academic success of students enrolled in UNIV courses, as well as their success in navigating university life outside of the classroom.  In this capacity EPMs serve as: student leaders of the UEP, liaisons between their faculty partner and students in UEP Seminars, peer advisors and peer mentors, co-curricular learning community leads, and student support services specialists.

Each EPM will be assigned to support a UNIV course section and will co-facilitate student learning communities throughout an entire academic year. EPMs are expected to hold regular peer advising meetings with students, organize and engage students in co-curricular activities and events, and refer students to support services as needed or schedule time with their faculty partner to have services integrated into course sessions. EPMs will regularly engage in leadership and professional development opportunities to facilitate the development of skills needed to be successful in supporting their faculty partner and students.

MAJOR RESPOSNIBILITIES

EPM IN CLASS – Course Support:

Partner with faculty to support student learning and development;

Facilitate student success activities for one class session each week for 20 minutes;

Organize and potentially lead in-class workshops about student services on campus and learning resources;

Co-facilitate group work including reflections and activities;

Monitor student’s basic skills and make referrals to student support services;

Provide regular peer advising and mentoring to assigned students; and

Assist with course assessment and project evaluation activities.

 EPM OUT OF CLASS/IN OFFICE:

Organize and facilitate bi-weekly meetings with UNIV students in smaller learning communities called Dolphin Interest Groups (DIGs) throughout the academic year;

The purpose of DIGs is to engage UNIV students in co-curricular activities, keeping them informed of campus life, providing referrals to on campus student support services, and delivering developed online mentoring services. DIGs attend campus events together, serve as a study group, and a place to check in on how courses are going. Students develop strategies about getting the most of faculty office hours, share effective learning strategies, etc. Student attendance at DIGs is mandatory if the UNIV course is in session.

After the UNIV course is no longer in session, DIGs are voluntary.

Information flow of calendar events:

Organize and share information about campus and community events with students;

Act as a liaison between students and the UEP;

Collaborate and cross-train with Housing and Residential Education professional staff and Residential Assistants (for those EPMs supporting a course that is part of a Living Learning Community);

Collaborate and cross-train with Career Development Services (for those EPMs supporting a UNIV 250 course);

Monitor academic progress of students;

Identify appropriate academic referrals for academic success;

Advise and mentor students during office hours;

Utilize office hours for class preparation and organization of DIG activities;

Conduct focus groups;

Track student participation;

Leadership development training for next wave of EPMs;

Assist with all UEP and Student Academic Success and Equity Initiative events;

Prepare presentations, present at, and attend local/regional/national conferences;

Meet regularly with UEP staff and assigned UNIV faculty partner; and

Respond to EPM email.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Classification

The EPM position is classified as an Instructional Student Assistant and is union represented. For more information, visit: http://www.csun.edu/sites/default/files/Inst_Student_Assistant.pdf.

 HOURS/SALARY

Spring 2017 PEEP Training: up to 40 hours total during training week, planned for the week of May 22, 2017 – May 26, 2017. Attendance is required. Salary: $12.50/hour.

Fall 2017 PEEP Training: up to 40 hours total during training week, planned for the week of August 21, 2017 – August 25, 2017. Attendance is required. Salary: $12.75/hour.

Fall 2017 Semester Working Hours: up to 20 hours a week depending on course assignment during August 28, 2017 – December 28, 2017. Base hours are 12-16 per week. Salary: $12.75/hour.

Spring 2017 EPM Training: up to 20 hours total for a two-day training, tentatively scheduled on January 18 and 19, 2018. Attendance is required. Salary: $12.75/hour.

Spring 2018 Semester Working Hours: up to 20 hours a week depending on course assignment during January 22, 2018 – May 25, 2018. Base hours are 12-16 per week. Salary: $12.75/hour.

Additional Summer Employment Opportunity: Research Ambassadors supporting the UNIV 198 Introduction to Interdisciplinary Research course will have an opportunity to work over summer for the Summer SURFer Research Opportunity Program.

QUALIFICATIONS

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

Ability to work with students in person, over the phone, and through e-mail.

Creativity and willingness to take the initiative.

Ability to multi-task and make efficient use of time.

Ability to solve problems and make decisions on your own.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Ability to contribute to a team-oriented environment.

Basic computer and software knowledge including experience with Microsoft Office.

Willingness to learn.

Service oriented.

Ability to speak Spanish is a plus.

Completion of UNIV 399 Peer-To-Peer Effectiveness Seminar is a plus.

To support UNIV 349 Transfer Year Seminar as a Transfer Experience Associate, transfer experience is preferred.

To support UNIV 198 First-Year Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship as a Research Ambassador, student research experience is preferred.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Be a currently enrolled CI Student.

Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA at the time of application and throughout the term of employment. If you do not meet the 3.0 GPA requirement, please provide an explanation in your Cover Letter included with your application.

Have the disposition and communication skills necessary to meet or exceed the position qualifications, above.

If you are applying to ONLY the Embedded Peer Mentor position or BOTH positions:

Submitted to peep@csuci.edu:

• CI Student Employment Application
• Resume – note if applying to support the UNIV 198 Introduction to Interdisciplinary Research course, applicants must include a list of previous and/or upcoming research conferences.
• Cover Letter – if you do not meet the 3.0 GPA requirement, please provide an explanation in your Cover Letter.
• (2) Letters of Recommendation from Faculty – note if applying to support the UNIV 198 Introduction to Interdisciplinary Research course, (1) letter of recommendation must be from a research advisor.

Submitted in an Online Survey:

• PEEP Supplemental Questionnaire

(link: https://csuci.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bl1bVHfDuYS1Bxr)