The below 2021 Summer Start Mentor Application is contingent upon several, unforeseeable circumstances and events. New Student Programs will attempt to honor all aspects of this application process to the best of our ability. Please note that all dates are required, but tentative. As the US still continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, we have attempted to provide detailed outlines and transparency about the 2021 Summer Start Mentor experience; however, unforeseen challenges will undoubtedly impact this opportunity, dates, and decisions. New Student Programs will provide as much advance notice to any date changes. Summer Start Mentors will be expected to adjust their schedules in alignment with these date changes. All aspects of the 2021 Summer Start Mentor experience will be facilitated online until March 2021. After March 2021, aspects of the role will be reevaluated for an in-person or online experience.

All new hires at the university are contingent upon Chancellor approval and budget availability.

• Be enrolled as a full-time student (undergraduate) in Spring 2021 and Fall 2021 semesters
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher throughout employment period
• Be in good standing with the university
• Be eligible to work in the United States
• Exhibit commitment to the mission of New Student Programs
• If housing is available, Summer Start Mentor must be available to live on campus early June – beginning of August 2021
• Summer Start mentors should consider the following when planning for summer courses: 
  • no more than six (6) credit hours during Summer Session II (classes may be synchronous or asynchronous, synchronous classes should be between 8:00am and 4:00pm during Summer II) 
  • Students planning on taking courses in Summer Session I should ensure that scheduled synchronous classes end by 12:00pm (As a reminder, Summer Session I classes will overlap with training, all conflicts need to be communicated ahead of time) 
• Outside employment is discouraged in order to allow time for informal interactions with participants; however, should a Summer Start Mentor wish to hold outside employment, it must be limited to 10 hours per week and received written approval by New Student Programs prior to the start of the program. 
• Assist with Wolfpack Welcome Week Events 
• Show the potential for development in the following qualities and skills: willingness to learn and grow as a leader, ability to work effectively on a team, serve as a role model for incoming new students, creativity, flexibility, problem-solving skills, commitment to identity development and social justice, and the ability to effectively communicate with others whether in a virtual or in-person environment.

Whether the summer 2021 Summer Start Mentor experience is in person or virtual, Summer Start Mentors will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience and provide new students and family members with experiences that will support their transition to NC State:

• Virtual and In-Person:
  • Provide assistance to students participating in Summer Start 
  • Develop and display a level of understanding regarding social justice, diversity, and inclusion
  • Serve as a role model and resource to students while representing the University professionally
  • Share knowledge about the University’s history, campus resources, and expectations. When appropriate, refer guests to additional resources and campus departments.
  • Facilitate engaging one on one mentoring meetings with students participating in Summer Start 
  • Attendance and varied participation in co-curricular events to build community virtually 
• In-Person Additional Responsibilities:
  • Help students acclimate to the physical campus by accompanying them to activities

The learning objectives below will guide your growth and development throughout your time as a Summer Start Mentor. Students should be prepared to engage in training, workshops, and more to develop in these learning objectives.

• Apply appropriate helping skills to maintain and manage a mentoring relationship. 
• Model University expectations and use of campus resources for new students. 
• Develop and enhance personal leadership skills among peers and participants. 
• Define social identities and understand how those concepts impact new student transition.

• Compensation
  • $9/hour during Summer Start Spring Training
    • If you hold another on-campus job, you will not be allowed to exceed a total of 20 hours per week of on-campus work. For example: if you work at Wellness and Recreation, you would only be allowed to work 18 hours during the weeks we have SSM Training because you will be working 2 hours a week as a SSM.
  • Summer compensation may change based on summer housing and dining availability and method of program implementation (e.g., in-person, virtual, etc.)*:
    • Gross salary of $1100 throughout summer employment. (Pay dates will be determined by the University payroll system. All pay is subject to state and federal taxes)* 
    • Meals at Fountain Dining Hall during Orientation sessions* 
    • On-Campus housing during summer employment (June – July, 2021)*
      • Note: on-campus parking is not included in the summer employment package but can be purchased by the employee. A vehicle is not necessary for this position.
• In addition to the compensation, you will have the opportunity to:
  • Learn more about the University’s history, opportunities, and resources, and share this knowledge with incoming students and their families
  • Gain both leadership and professional experience including time management, group facilitation, cultural competency, and public speaking
  • Meet and work with administrators, faculty, and staff from across the University
  • Be part of a supportive team of student leaders while having an unforgettable summer experience

Spring 2021 Required Dates

All spring training activities will take place virtually.

• Summer Start Mentor Training #1
  • Tuesday, March 16 from 3 – 5 PM
• Summer Start Mentor Training #2
  • Tuesday, March 23 from 3 – 5 PM
• Summer Start Mentor Training #3
  • Tuesday, March 30 from 3 – 5 PM
• Summer Start Mentor Training #4
  • Tuesday, April 6 from 3 – 5 PM
• Summer Start Mentor Training #5
  • Tuesday, April 13 from 3 – 5 PM
• Summer Start Mentor Training #6
  • Tuesday, April 20 from 3 – 5 PM
• Summer Start Mentor Training #7
  • Tuesday, April 27 from 3 – 5 PM

Summer 2021 and Spring 2022 Required Dates

The format of the responsibilities below (in-person, virtual, or hybrid) will be determined at a later date. All dates are subject to change

• SSM Summer Training
  • Early June – Mid June 2021 (specific dates to be determined)
• Summer Start Program
  • Mid June – Early August 2021 (specific dates to be determined)
• Wolfpack Welcome Week
  • August 2021 (specific dates to be determined)

As a part of the application process, you will need to review the recorded information session (which will be linked here on December 4). You will be required to indicate that you have reviewed the information session when submitting your application. 

Live Q&A with Summer Start Mentors (Optional, but highly recommended)

Potential applicants can join New Student Programs staff for a live panel on Zoom with past Summer Start Mentors. SSMs will share about their experiences and there will be time for applicants to ask their own questions as well.

Application

The Summer Start Mentor Application is now available.  Below is an overview of what you will be asked to fill out in the application. We recommend preparing any materials ahead of time and typing answers to the essay questions in a word document prior to starting the online application as you will not be able to save your progress. 

Please be prepared to upload/provide the following documents and information before completing the Summer Start Mentor application:

1. General information about yourself
2. Responses to the following:

• Essay Questions:
  1. Why do you want to be a Summer Start Mentor, and what do you hope to gain from the experience if selected? (maximum 250 words allowed)
  2. What three pieces of advice would you give a new student who is experiencing challenges during the beginning of their time at NC State? Note: this question should be written as if you were directly corresponding to a new student though written communication. (maximum 250 words allowed)
  3. During your time as a Summer Start Mentor, you will work with students from a variety of identities and lived experiences. In what ways do you value working effectively in an environment that fosters inclusivity and respect for cultural and intellectual diversity. (maximum 250 words allowed)
• Essay or Video Submission
  1. Prompt: The Summer Start mentor position requires mentors to: attend and implement events, conduct one on one meetings with mentees, attend weekly staff meetings and check ins with professional staff among other tasks. What skills and experiences have prepared you to succeed in the role of Summer Start Mentor?
  2. Length: Essay must be maximum 400 words and Videos must be between 30 to 60 seconds
  3. Format: Essays will be submitted directly on the online application. Videos should be uploaded to Google Drive and your link will be shared in your application. Make sure your link is accessible to users at NC State to view.
  4. You are allowed to be as simple or creative as you like if you select to record a video.

Will there be an information session?

• The recorded information session will be required for applicants to watch before submitting their application. We will also have live Q&A sessions with previous Summer Start Mentors for you to join and ask about their experiences as a student leader.

Can I apply to be both an Orientation Leader and Summer Start Mentor?

• Yes, you can apply to both positions. However you will complete a separate application and interview process for each role. Students will only be offered one position and will be able to indicate during the interview process if there is a position they prefer over another. Positions are not guaranteed to be offered.

How many Summer Start Mentors will be hired? Do you re-hire staff from the previous summer?

• We are unsure of exactly how many Summer Start Mentors we will hire for Summer 2021. Last year we hired 17 new Mentors.  Previous staff members cannot return as Mentors.

What is Spring Training?

• Spring Training takes place in the second half of the spring 2021 semester on Tuesdays from 3 – 5 PM. Attendance and participation in Spring Training is required to be an Orientation Leader or Summer Start Mentor.
  • Summer Start Mentor Spring Training will focus on learning objectives related to mentoring, academic success, resource sharing, and identity and social justice

Can I take summer classes while I am a Summer Start Mentor?

• Yes. Summer Start Mentors will be required to enroll in at least one academic course, and no more than six credit hours, during Summer Session II at NC State.  If Mentors choose to enroll in Summer I classes, the class sessions must end by 12:00 pm so as to not conflict with Summer Start training.

Do I have to live on campus while employed as a Summer Start Mentor?

• Yes. Even if a Mentor has off-campus housing, they must stay in the residence hall room provided to them during Summer Start to promote community and accessibility to Summer Start participants in times of need.

I am a graduate student. Can I be a Summer Start Mentor?

• Only undergraduate students are eligible for the Summer Start Mentor position.

I am unable to take the USC 223 class. Can I still be a Summer Start Mentor?

• You must be able to attend and participate in Spring Training on Tuesdays from 3 – 5 p.m. from March 16 – April 27.

Can I be employed by another job while I am a Summer Start Mentor?

• Yes, but outside employment is discouraged in order to allow time for academic success and informal interactions with participants; however, should a Summer Start Mentor wish to hold outside employment, it must be submitted to New Student Programs staff and approved by the department.”

I plan to study abroad in the Fall 2021 semester. Can I still be a Summer Start Mentor?

• Yes, we are willing to work with students who plan to study abroad. If your departure date prohibits you from the employment dates in August, your stipend would be reduced accordingly.

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. (POL 04.25.05 – Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination and Affirmative Action Policy http://policies.ncsu.edu/policy/pol-04-25-05)

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, NC State will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. If you want to request a reasonable accommodation for the interview process or position, click here to learn more and contact New Student Programs at new-students@ncsu.edu.

If you are selected to move on to the interview stage, this section will review what you can expect for your 2021 Summer Start Mentor Interview. Please remember to sign up for an interview time slot by 5 PM on Wednesday, February 3.

• Attire for the interview is “SSM Zoom Casual” which means casual clothing:
  • that does not promote other colleges or universities
  • without inappropriate content (profanity, illegal activity, alcohol, bias-driven language, etc.).
• You will be asked to arrive 5 minutes prior to your interview start time. Keep this in mind when signing up for an interview time. If we are running ahead of schedule we will begin the interview earlier to make our process run more smoothly.
• Interviews will take place over zoom. The link to join the zoom session will be available to you on your eRezLife platform. Interviews will be recorded for office records. These will only be available to NSP staff to review.
  • Upon joining the zoom session you will be placed in a waiting room. When we are ready for your interview, you will be let into the main room.
• To be as transparent as possible and prepare you as much for the SSM Interview, you can expect the following structure in your interview:
  • Zoom Room Set Up: When you are let into the main zoom room, you will be joined by 1 professional staff member and 1 former Summer Start Mentor. Interviews will last no more than 30 minutes.
  • Introductions: We will do initial introductions and ask you to share your name, pronouns if you would like, and major.
  • Individual Interview: After initial introductions and instructions, you will be asked 6 – 7 questions by the former Summer Start Mentor and the professional staff member in your zoom. 
  • We will wrap up in the main room with time for questions and to make final announcements before you leave.