• Be enrolled as a full-time student (undergraduate) in Spring 2023 and Fall 2023 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
• Earn an 80% in “USC 298: NSP Student Leader Development (Special Topics in University Studies) [course pending University approval] in the Spring 2023 semester (after being selected for the role)
• Summer Start Mentor must be available to live on campus early June – beginning of August 2023
• Summer Start mentors should consider the following when planning for summer courses: 
  • Summer Start Mentors are required to enroll in at least one academic course during Summer Session II at NC State.
  • no more than four (4) 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 to 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 
  • New Student Convocation – tentatively slated for Sunday, August 20, 2023
  • Work two other NSP sponsored event from August 17 – 26, 2023
• 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, ability to 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.

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:

• 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 
• 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.

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

• Gross salary of $1800 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 in a single room during summer employment (early June – early August 2023)
• 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 2023 Required Dates

• USC 298: NSP Student Leader Development (Special Topics in University Studies) [pending University approval]
  • Tuesdays, 3:00 – 4:15 p.m.

Summer 2023 and Spring 2024 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.

• SSM Summer Training: Early-June through mid-June 2023
  • 40 hours per week (approximate)
• Summer Start: Mid-June through early-August 2023
  • 25 hours per week (approximate)
• Wolfpack Welcome Week
  • New Student Convocation – tentatively slated for Sunday, August 21, 2023
  • Work two other NSP sponsored event from August 17 – 26, 2023

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 2022 to learn more about their experience in the role.

• Recorded Information Session, to be watched your at convenience

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

Application

The 2023 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. 

You may choose to submit you answers in essay format or video format for any of the following questions.

Length: There is no limit related to your responses; however, you are encouraged to be as thorough as possible in your answers.

Format: Essays will be submitted directly on the online application. Videos should be uploaded to Google Drive and then you will share the link of your video in your application. Make sure your link is accessible to users at NC State to view. You are allowed to be as simple or creative as you like if you select to record a video.

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:

• Questions:
  1. What three pieces of advice would you give a new student who is experiencing challenges during the beginning of their time at NC State?
  2. Learning to facilitate across differences in identity and experiences are core components of Summer Start Mentor training in the spring and summer. How do you hope to make time to learn about others and their experiences at NC State? Why is this important to do as a Summer Start Mentor?
  3. Why would you be a good Summer Start Mentor, and what do you hope to gain from the experience if selected?

If you are selected to move on to the interview stage, this section will review what you can expect for your 2023 Summer Start Mentor Interview. Please remember to sign up for an interview time slot 3 days after your invitation is sent.

• 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 3229.
  • 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 SSM Interview, you can expect the following structure in your interview:
  • Room Set Up: You will be joined by 1 professional staff member and 1 Student Staff Member. 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 60 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.

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 application and information session dates section. If you’re unable to attend these dates, a link to the October 4th virtual session will be posted on this website to watch at your convenience.

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 20 Summer Start Mentors. Previous staff members cannot return as Mentors.

What is USC 298?

• The “USC 298: NSP Student Leader Development (Special Topics in University Studies) is a required course that SSMs must take in the spring semester and receive an 80% to continue into the summer. The course will focus on learning objectives related to facilitation, communication, resource sharing, and identity and social justice. NSP Staff will enroll selected students in the course in late – November. Students should plan on having the available time empty on their MyPack course schedule.

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 four 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. As a reminder, Summer Session I classes will overlap with training, all conflicts need to be communicated ahead of time.

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 298 class. Can I still be a Summer Start Mentor?

• No, the course is the primary training SSMs receive in the spring to prepare for their role and is also vital to developing an effective team dynamic.

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 2023 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.