Summer Start Mentors

A Summer Start Mentor is a caring and responsible student leader who serves as a guide to incoming first-year and transfer students participating in the Summer Start program. Summer Start Mentors work collaboratively with the Summer Start professional staff to help students develop important academic and social skills, participate in new opportunities, and learn about a wide array of campus resources.  They also develop close individual relationships with each of their mentees through weekly one-on-one meetings and participation in program events, such as weekly cookouts, sponsored weekend trips, and study groups.

The application for 2019 Summer Start Mentor application closed on Monday, October 15, 2018 at 8:00am. Visit the Recruitment and Selection webpage to learn more about the application and interview process for the position.

Duties

  • Meet with students weekly to support, listen to, and assist with student concerns
  • Establish and maintain open communication with students while maintaining availability and flexibility to address their needs throughout the day and evening, including weekends
  • Connect students with campus resources by sharing personal experiences and providing information about upcoming programs
  • Serve as an academic role model to students while modeling appropriate behavior at all times
  • Plan and facilitate one (1) social program or event under the direction of program staff
  • Attend weekly cookouts and at least two (2) campus resource programs during the summer employment period
  • Assist with move-in at the beginning of the summer program

Requirements

Selected students must meet the following requirements:

  • Be enrolled as a full-time student (undergraduate)
  • Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Be in good standing with the university
  • Be eligible to work in the United States
  • Enroll in at least one academic course, and no more than six credit hours, during Summer Session II at NC State
  • Live in the provided on-campus housing accommodations throughout the summer program

Time Commitment

Individual commitment to all training and employment dates is essential to the success of the Summer Start Mentor team. If you have a conflict with any of the employment dates and would like to know if you are still eligible to apply for the position, please contact Carly Edwards at new-students@ncsu.edu or 919-515-1234. Dates are subject to change with advanced notice.

Fall 2018 Semester

  • Meet the Mentors Celebration: Friday, November 16 from 3:00-6:00pm

Spring 2019 Semester

  • USC 223 Student Leader Development: 2-credit hour course, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00-4:15pm
  • NSP Leadership On-Campus Retreat: Saturday, January 12, 2019 (8:00am-8:00pm)
  • Summer Start Mentor Team Building Retreat: Begins at 4:00 pm on Friday, March 1, 2019 until 4:00 pm on Sunday, March 3, 2019

Summer 2018

  • Summer Start Mentor Move In Day: Wednesday, June 12, 2019
  • Summer Start Mentor Training: Wednesday, June 12 – Tuesday, June 18, 2019 (Full-time)
  • Commitments during the Summer Start Program: June 19 – July 31, 2019 (Average 25 hours per week)
    • Weekly Cookouts (Friday afternoons)
    • Weekly Staff Meeting
    • Weekly One-on-One Meetings with Mentees (Based on Mentor availability)
    • Weekly One-on-One Meeting with Lead Mentor (Based on Mentor availability)
    • Planning and implementation of one (1) social program or event with a group of mentors
    • Attendance at two (2) campus resource programs
    • Informal interactions and varied participation in co-curricular programs (Based on Mentor availability)

Fall 2019

  • Wolfpack Welcome Week (Friday, August 16 – Saturday, August 24): Provide on-site assistance at Convocation and Chancellor’s New Student Cookout, Summer Start Reunion, and one other event (based on Mentor availability).

Compensation and Benefits

  • $850 gross salary paid throughout the summer employment period (Pay dates will be determined by the University payroll system. All pay is subject to state and federal taxes)
  • On-Campus Housing provided June 12 – July 31, 2019
  • $100 conference card supplement

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
  • Gain both leadership and professional experience including time management, interpersonal communication, cultural competency, program/event planning, and mentoring
  • 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

FAQ

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?

  • No. 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?

  • No. You must be able to enroll in the USC 223 class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:00-4:15pm during the Spring 2019 semester.

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

  • Yes, but only for a maximum of 10 hours per week during the summer employment period.

I plan to study abroad in the Fall 2019 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.

What are previous Summer Start Mentors saying?

“I enjoyed my experience as a summer start mentor because it was really fulfilling to watch my mentees grow over the course of five weeks. It made me happy when they were eager to share their success with me, or come to me with questions they had. I would recommend this position to anyone that wants to make an impact on another person’s life and get the chance to come out of their shell!”

  • Anusha Tamhane, Sophomore in Humanities & Social Sciences and Management

“My favorite part about being a mentor was definitely getting to know my mentees really well. I was able to sit down with them during our one-on-one meetings and talk about life and offer my advice to help them succeed.”

  • Carl Klier, Sophomore in Engineering

“I love watching students realize their true potential when they come to NC State. Most people don’t realize all they are capable of until they become more independent which typically comes with going to college. Seeing my mentees grow, succeed, and learn has been my favorite part of being a mentor.”

  • Lauren Emer, Sophomore in Sciences

“My favorite part about being a mentor is building relationships with not only the mentees in my group, but all the students in the program. It’s nice being a resource for those in need and being someone that people feel they can open up to.”

  • Precious Rogers, Sophomore in Management

“As a mentor you get to welcome new students into the Wolfpack. You have a one-on-one experience with new students and build lasting bonds, while also being a major support resource during their transition to NC State.  This is one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever had.”

  • Sam Blue, Senior in Education