Become a First Year Seminar Mentor

The Going Global First Year Seminar (FYS) Program needs student mentors!

Interested in becoming a student mentor for the fall 2025 semester? Applications open NOW!

FYS student mentors assist faculty members by serving as advisors to first-year students on the transition into university life and as academic tutors in one of the Going Global First-year seminar sections in the fall 2025. As such, each mentor acts as a liaison between the student and instructor and helps to build a “Class of 2029” community.

Requirements

1. Must be a Sophomore, Junior or Senior with at least an overall GPA of “B”
2. Excellent interpersonal skills
3. Excellent leadership skills
4. Mandatory completion of training in social transition and academic tutoring techniques during spring semester; date TBD.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Attend all classes of his/her assigned course during the fall 2025 term (MWF 2 – 2:50 or TTH 2 – 3:15)
2. Assist instructor to develop and maintain academic interest and enthusiasm
3. Support the instructor in designing and delivering out-of-class learning experiences
4. Be available for student consultation outside of class hours
5. Lead class discussions or exercises on topics approved by the mentor and instructor
6. Participate in FYS program wide events as your schedule allows, such as Convocation, Academic Information Fair, Registration Celebration, Open Houses, etc.

Compensation

1. student mentors receive a $1,050.00 stipend
2. student mentors will receive all required books for the assigned section

How to apply?

There are three parts of the application:

1. Two letters of recommendation from SU faculty and/or staff. Must include at least one recommendation from FYS faculty or an FYS mentor (someone who can speak to your experience in FYS).
   Please use this FYS Mentor Recommendation Form.
   
2. A one-page letter addressed to the FYS committee explaining why you want to be a student mentor and what qualifies for you for the position.
   Please submit your one-page letter and your video using this FYS 2025 Mentor Application.
   
3. Much of what makes a great mentor are aspects of unique personalities that cannot be put into words. Each application must include a one-minute iMovie that demonstrates what makes you awesome and unique. Be creative.
   Please submit your one-page letter and your video using this FYS 2025 Mentor Application.

ALL forms must be submitted by Tuesday, February, 4, 2025.  Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. For more information about becoming a FYS mentor or if you have questions about the application process, please contact fys@joyerianicaragua.com or stop by the FYS office in Cooley Hall or call 540-665-4620.

The list of mentors will be announced by Spring break.