Smooth Leaders
Pictured from left to right: Jayla Fitzgerald, Amari Davis, Mar’Yana Tye, Catrice Chambers, and Alton Jenkins.
Peer Mentors are an important and crucial part of the Smooth Transitions program. They provide additional support to our first-year participants, give them student perspectives and insight, and encourage mentees in the student experience's many dimensions. Peer Mentors are the driving force in cultivating community amongst those in Smooth Transitions. In addition to supporting first-year participants, all Leaders gain leadership experience and development in the Smooth Transitions program.
Students interested in serving as a Mentor in the Smooth Transitions program must meet the requirements and adhere to the expectations listed below.
Smooth Leader roles and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following and are inclusive of other duties as assigned. All Smooth Leaders are expected to work collaboratively, in support of overall program success.
REQUIREMENTS -
- Complete Smooth Transitions Leader Application on EngageXU. Applications are due Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 11:59 pm.
- Must be a rising Sophomore or higher.
- A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher is REQUIRED to serve as a Smooth Transitions Leader. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher by the end of Fall semester 2023 is PREFERRED for Smooth Transitions Leader.
- A completed Recommendation Form from a Faculty or Staff member is required for all applicants. Faculty or Staff members should complete and submit this form on EngageXU. Recommendation Forms are due Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 11:59 pm.
- Returning Leader applicants must complete the "Smooth Leader Self-Evaluation Form" by the application deadline.
- Attend a mandatory informational session on one of the following dates:
a. Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 2:00pm in the Center for Diversity & Inclusion (GSC 280)
b. Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 5:00pm in the Center for Diversity & Inclusion (GSC 280)
EXPECTATIONS -
Mentors are expected to:
- Abide by Mentor contract.
- Demonstrate behavior that reflects a student committed to excellence, to the mission of Xavier University, the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, and to the purpose of the Smooth Transitions Program.
- Be in good academic standing and strive for academic excellence.
- Provide support to our first-year participants and give them student perspectives and insight.
- Encourage mentees to get engaged and involved on campus and provide mentees with resources based on their needs.
- Attend Mentor Training and Pre-Orientation: Dates TBA
- Complete all assignments associated with Mentor Training and Pre-Orientation thoroughly, accurately, and on time (EX: trainings, programming paperwork, documentation, and other tasks as assigned).
- Attend Spring Retreat: Dates TBA
- Be visible in the Smooth Transitions community. Mentors are expected to participate in programming to assist in building the cohort experience for first-year mentees.
- Properly document the following information in EAB within 24 hours of meeting with mentees:
a. One on ones with mentees
b. Small group meetings with all mentees - Serve as a liaison between CDI Director, Assistant Director, Faculty Director and mentees effectively relaying information regarding well-being, concerns, and other issues.
- Attend the following meetings:
a. Individual Monthly Meeting with CDI Assistant Director.
b. Group Meeting Twice (2x) semester with other mentors, CDI Director, Assistant Director, and Faculty Director. - While you are able to maintain or take on forms of employment during your time as a Mentor, responsibilities associated with other roles should not interfere with or hinder your ability to fulfill your responsibilities as a Mentor in the program.
Additional Information for First Steps Student Mentors:
- First Steps Mentors will benefit from the additional 1:1 mentorship with a faculty member. This relationship will support the student mentor’s academic engagement and success in the classroom and enhance their personal and professional development.