Rising Scholars Peer Mentor Position Description

Peer Mentor – Rising Scholars Program (Embedded in UNIV 111)

Basic Information

This is a part-time, non-benefited position. Only NDSU undergraduate students are eligible to be hired in this position.

Description, Duties & Responsibilities

Peer Mentors in the Rising Scholars Program help fellow undergraduate students meet academic and personal goals by serving as a connection point and accountability partner, teaching study skills, and making campus and community referrals. Each mentor is assigned a small caseload of students who they meet with regularly throughout the semester. Many mentees are first-year, conditionally admitted students or students not in good academic standing; however, any undergraduate student can opt into the program.

Beginning Fall Semester 2026, Peer Mentors in this role will also be embedded in one in-person section of UNIV 111, providing in-class support that reinforces course learning strategies and student success behaviors. Peer Mentors are students who show genuine concern for the wellbeing and success of their peers.

Core Responsibilities (Mentoring)

Meet regularly with assigned mentees throughout the semester to support goal-setting, accountability, and academic success.
Teach and reinforce effective study skills and help-seeking behaviors.
Make campus and community referrals as appropriate.
Document meeting attendance and meeting summaries according to program expectations.
Attend required supervision and coordination meetings.

Embedded UNIV 111 Responsibilities (In-Class Support)

Attend one scheduled UNIV 111 class session on Tuesday or Thursday (exact class meeting time and location TBD). Each class will have 2 mentors – 1 mentor will be responsible for attending Tuesday class and one will be responsible for attending Thursday class.
Facilitate small-group work and support planned class activities under the instructor’s direction.
Model and reinforce study strategies and note-taking approaches aligned with course expectations.
Support student engagement during class activities and encourage appropriate use of academic resources.
As assigned by the instructor, review student reflections and provide brief, supportive comments (Peer Mentors do not grade coursework and are not responsible for formal instruction).

Collaboration & Meetings

Work in close partnership with the UNIV 111 instructor as the primary course partner.
Participate in required weekly meetings:
30-minute weekly check-in with the UNIV 111 instructor
30-minute weekly meeting with the program coordinator

Time Commitment & Scheduling

8–15 hours per week (minimum 8; maximum 15).
Expected weekly time includes approximately:
UNIV 111 class attendance: ~1.5 hours/week
Required meetings: ~1 hour/week
Mentoring work: 6+ hours/week (mentee meetings, outreach/follow-up, documentation, referrals)

Minimum Qualifications

Current undergraduate student who has completed at least 1 semester at NDSU
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Attention to detail and organization
A well-defined knowledge of personal study skills that contribute to success
Ability to work comfortably with students from diverse backgrounds
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of application and throughout employment or a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and a previous semester GPA above 3.25
Ability to attend an in-person UNIV 111 section on Tuesday or Thursday (meeting time TBD)
Ability to attend mandatory training August 28^th and 29^th

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience as a mentor
Knowledge of other academic support programs on the NDSU campus

Work Location

ACE Tutoring, located in the lower level of the West Dining Center.
(UNIV 111 class location TBD.)

Compensation

The hourly wage starts at $14.00, with semester raises.

Terms of Employment

Mentors will begin employment at the start of Fall Semester 2026 and will be expected to attend paid training prior to mentoring students. Mentors work an average of 8–15 hours per week.

Training is mandatory and will be conducted August 28^th and 29^th. Training is paid.

All scheduled time is paid including in-class time, mentoring time, and meetings.

To Apply

Complete the online application form

On the application form, applicants will be asked to answer:

How you meet the minimum qualifications listed for this position
Why you would be a good fit for the position
If you are currently, or have in the past 12 months, been employed with NDSU, the North Dakota University System, or any other North Dakota State agency. If so, include which agency/department.

Applications will be reviewed starting immediately and will remain open until available positions are filled.

Questions

Email ndsu.risingscholars@ndsu.edu or call 701-231-5519.