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Smooth Transitions Mentor Program

Application Deadline Extended until Feb 18th!

Program Overview

Smooth Transitions (ST) is an initiative of the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) developed to assist first year students of color with their transition and acclimation to Xavier University. Smooth Transitions is comprised of a summer bridge program and year-long mentor program. Smooth Transitions is culturally-based and focuses on the holistic development of students of color. In order for the program to be effective, we are seeking current students who can serve as volunteer mentors for the summer bridge program and the year-long mentor program. Here’s how to apply:

Application Procedures

All applicants must submit the following to be considered for the role of mentor:

  • Office of Multicultural Affairs Application
  • Letter of Recommendation by a full-time faculty/staff member
  • Letter of Intent on why you are interested and qualified
  • Participate in Group Interview on February 22, at 7:00 p.m. in Gallagher Student Center, Room 280
     

 Applicant Qualifications

  • Must be of at least sophomore standing
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Positive attitude
  • Self-motivatated
  • Ability to work well with others
  • Knowledgeable of university resources
  • Team player

THE SMOOTH TRANSITIONS PEER MENTOR

The peer mentor is a volunteer staff member of the Office of Multicultural Affairs who provides guidance to first-year students in the Smooth Transitions Program (STP). Peer mentors assist in achieving the goals of the STP, which are as follows:

  • To assist first-year students of color with their transition to Xavier University
  • To increase the retention of students of color ensuring a higher number of students of color graduating from Xavier University.
  • To make students of color aware of campus resources and services available at Xavier University.
  • To create bridges of support to various services and programs offered by the institution.
  • To encourage new students to get involved in campus activities and organizations.
  • To encourage interaction between students of color and faculty and staff, as well as the campus community at large.
  • To educate students on issues of diversity, multiculturalism, and social justice.

Each peer mentor will serve as a role model and will help new students of color making the transition to college life throughout the 2011-2012 academic year.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Complete peer mentor training (please reserve the dates Tuesday, March 22 and March 29 from 5-9pm).
  • Serve as a peer leader for the summer bridge and academic year activities.
  • Demonstrate positive leadership in the Xavier University campus community.
  • Help mentees become familiar with university resources.
  • Advise and refer mentees to appropriate university resources, as the need arises.
  • Demonstrate sensitivity and address issues of diversity.
  • Devise innovative ways to motivate students toward academic success.
  • Record observations and submit monthly reports.
  • Participate in all STP activities including other university events as required.