First Year Support MentorAt — Rancho Santiago Community College District

Job: First-Year Mentor

Job Description: The First-Year Mentor will mentor first-year, continuing, and returning students on different aspects of college. This can include a syllabi review, campus resources/referrals, check-in with class progress, etc.

Responsibilities: 

• Each intern will contact incoming first-year students to provide mentorship and schedule follow-up sessions.
• Mentor students on different aspects of college. This can include a syllabi review, campus resources/referrals, check-in with class progress, etc.
• Reach out to students who have academic probation and provide them with guidance on how to stay on track academically during the spring semester.
• Host/assist during Student Success workshops.
• Opportunities to present on topics related to Academics or Life Skills.
• Assist the FYSC with technical one-on-one support for students.
• Attend bi-weekly Zoom training on professional development and learn about college support programs, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure student completion of the Student Success Certificate.
• Ensure students complete a Comprehensive Student Educational Plan (CSEP)
• Assist students with their financial aid application (FAFSA or CA DREAM Act). Training will be provided. 
• Assist with tabling and outreach for the FYSC (virtually/on-campus).
• Build student accountability and resilience during one-on-one appointments to ensure academic success and retention.

Requirements:

• Students are pursuing a bachelor's degree in human services or related fields. 
• Experience working with students of any grade level
• Understanding of classroom management
• Commitment to student success
• Computer skills such as website management, email, and word processors
• Strong interest in education and impacting member learning in a positive manner
• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Proficiency in office-based computer programs (Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint)
• Experience working with diverse students (i.e., race, gender, immigration status, sexuality, age, etc.)
• Basic knowledge of financial aid (FAFSA and/or CA DREAM Act)

First Year Support Center Mission Statement: The First Year Support Center (FYSC) supports new students in their academic and social transition to Santiago Canyon College. We are committed to providing students with college skill sets and awareness of college resources and integrating students into the college campus and community. The FYSC is devoted to building and encouraging students to be self-directive and advocate for their success inside and outside the classroom.

Interns will coach students on different aspects of college. This can include a syllabi review, campus resources/referrals, check-in with class progress, class registration, workshop referral, etc.

Additional roles & responsibilities include:

Each intern will contact incoming first-year students to provide mentorship and schedule follow-up sessions.

Coach students on different aspects of college. This can include a syllabi review, campus resources/referrals, check-in with class progress, etc.

Reach out to students who have academic probation and provide them with guidance on how to stay on track academically during the spring semester.

Host/assist during Student Success workshops.

Opportunities to present on topics related to Academics or Life Skills.

Assist the FYSC with technical one-on-one support for students.

Attend monthly Zoom training on professional development and learn about college support programs, policies, and procedures.

Ensure student completion of the Student Success Certificate.

Assist with tabling and outreach for the FYSC (virtually/on-campus)

The expectation of Mentors:
Check-in with staff at the beginning of your shift
Read and respond to any pending emails
Prep for your mentor meetings

Training:

Students must complete a three-day training to familiarize themselves with Santiago Canyon College and the First Year Support Center. Students know their roles and responsibilities as first-year mentors during the three-day training. Furthermore, students are exposed to and made aware of all the Student Support Services (e.g., Transfer Success Center, Counseling, Career Services, etc.) SCC offers since mentors are expected to refer students to the services they require while at SCC. Additionally, mentors are made aware of the Academic Support Services (e.g., Math Success Center, Writing Center, STAR, etc.) SCC has to ensure the success and retention of all first-year students. Lastly, students are made aware of all the programs and resources they will use to assist them in their transition to college (e.g., Excel sheet, Cranium Cafe, Zoom, emailing, etc.). Once the initial training is complete, FYSC staff will meet with mentors bi-weekly to provide updates and check in to ensure the needs of mentors are addressed in a timely matter. However, mentors will have direct access to the FYSC during their shift if any questions or concerns arise.

During the spring semester, students will undergo a one-day training to refresh mentors on the services SCC and FYSC offer but, most importantly, reflect on the fall semester. Mentors will learn how to build accountability, study skills, time-management skills, organizational skills, etc., among students to ensure their success at SCC. However, mentors will also reach out to and support students who did poorly academically (i.e., fell below six units and/or 2.0 GPA). Mentors will provide referrals and resources to ensure students bump their GPA while implementing strategies to help them succeed at SCC. Lastly, mentors are expected to create a workshop during the spring semester to help students succeed academically and retain. FYSC staff will provide training on creating a workshop that will benefit students at SCC.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the academic internship, the student can apply essential concepts and principles such as problem-solving, active listening, and interpersonal skills.

By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge working with a diverse group of students in the community college system (i.e., race, gender, socio-economic status, immigration status, disability, sexuality, age, etc.).

By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to develop communication, public speaking, and oral skills.

By the end of the academic internship, the student can write and use case notes.

By the end of the academic internship, the student will learn to access appropriate student resources while learning about the communities the agency serves.