• Be enrolled as a full-time student (undergraduate) in Spring 2026 and Fall 2026 semesters
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher throughout employment period
• Be in good standing with the university
• Participate in USC 223: Student Leadership Development Class in the Spring as well as Spring Retreat
• Be eligible to work in the United States
• Exhibit commitment to the mission of New Student Programs
• Summer Start Mentor must be available to live in Summer Start residence hall mid June – beginning of August 2026
• 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 10:00am and 3:00pm during Summer II) 
  • Students are not allowed to take Summer Session 1 classes as this will interfere with Summer training
  • Past mentors have been successful in only taking one-two classes during Summer II session
• 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 that is not affiliated with NC State University, it must be limited to 10 hours per week and receive written approval by New Student Programs prior to the start of the program. 
• Assist with Wolfpack Welcome Week
  • New Student Convocation –  tentatively slated for Sunday, August 16, 2026
  • Work two other NSP sponsored event from August 16 – 23, 2026 
• 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

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:

• 2025-2026 Summer Start Mentor Job Description

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. 

While we anticipate an in-person experience, summer compensation may change based on summer housing and dining availability:

• Gross salary of $2750 for fulfilling the commitment for the duration of the Summer Start period. If employment is terminated before the end of the Summer Start period, salary will be reduced on a pro rata basis.  All pay is subject to applicable taxes.
• Meals at Fountain Dining Hall during Orientation sessions
• On-Campus housing in a single room during summer employment (early June – early August 2026)
• 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 2026 Required Dates

• Retreat
  • January 24 – 25 (Location: Camp Caraway)
• Participate in USC 223: Student Leadership Development Class in the Spring as well as Spring Retreat
  • Every Tuesday and Thursday, from 3:00 – 4:15 p.m.

Summer 2026 Required Dates

Summer Start Mentors can expect part-time employment on weekdays with some evening and weekend work required. Dates below are tentative, and candidates will be notified when they are finalized.

• On-Campus Housing Move-In: Monday, June 15, 2026
• Move-Out Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026
• SSM Summer Training: Tuesday, June 15 – Tuesday June 23, 2026
  • 40 hours per week (approximate)
• Summer Start Program: Wednesday, June 24 – Wednesday, August 5, 2026
  • 15-20 hours per week (approximate)
• Wolfpack Welcome Week
  • New Student Convocation –  tentatively slated for Sunday, August 16, 2026
  • Work two other NSP sponsored events from August 16 – 23, 2026

If you are selected to move on to the interview stage, this section will review what you can expect for your 2026 Summer Start Mentor Interview. Please remember to sign up for an interview time slot by Monday, October 13, 2025.

• Attire for the interview is “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 10 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 in Broughton Hall 3170 and 3190.
  • If there is another interview in progress, please wait in the hallway until a staff member is ready for you.
• To be as transparent as possible and prepare you as much for the interview, you can expect the following structure in your interview:
  • Room Set Up: You will be joined by 2 staff members. There will be another candidate joining at the same time, but you will have individual interviews. You will be sent to different rooms to begin the process. This is not a group interview.
  • Introductions: We will do initial introductions and ask you to share your name, pronouns if you would like, and major.
  • Individual Interview: You will have two interviews during your 30 minute time frame. After initial introductions and instructions, you will be asked 6 – 7 questions by the student staff and the professional staff member in your first room. After your first interview, you will be switched to a different room where a different student staff member and professional staff member will ask you a different set of 6 – 7 questions.
  • You will have a chance to ask questions in each room. After your second interview, you are free to leave.

Highly Recommended Information Session: As a part of the application process, we highly recommend you to attend an information session. Potential applicants can hear from a panel of former Orientation Leaders & Summer Start Mentors from 2025 to learn more about their experience in the role.

If you have questions, please reach out to new-students@ncsu.edu.

Application

As a part of the application process, you are strongly encouraged to attend one information session. Potential applicants can join New Student Programs staff for an in-person information session and panel with past Orientation Leaders and Summer Start Mentors. You will hear about their experiences and there will be time for applicants to ask their own questions as well.

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, contact New Student Programs at new-students@ncsu.edu and visit the Office of Equal Opportunity website.

Will there be an information session?

• As a part of the application process, you are highly encouraged to attend one information session. Potential applicants can join New Student Programs staff for a live information session and panel with past Orientation Leaders and Summer Start Mentors. You hear about their experiences and there will be time for applicants to ask their own questions as well. Dates are listed above in the important application dates section.

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

• No, you must choose one. However, you will be able to indicate if you wish to be considered for the other role if not selected for the one you applied. 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 anticipating needing to hire 15 Summer Start Mentors. Previous staff members cannot return as Mentors.

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 can take up to six credit hours, during Summer Session II at NC State. Mentors will not be able to enroll in Summer I classes as this will overlap with 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.

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

• Yes, however, 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. 

I plan to study abroad in the Fall 2026 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.