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 cookouts, sponsored trips, and other social activities.
To help aid applicants with preparation for what the role will entail, this website contains a description of responsibilities and expectations for the orientation program. All interested applicants are highly encouraged to attend an information session to learn more about the application process and the expectations of the role.
The Summer Start Mentor role will provide you with the opportunity to learn more about yourself and your personal values, challenge yourself, and most importantly aid new students in their transition to North Carolina State University. We are excited you are considering making this role a part of your NC State experience.
Applications will open September 25, 2023
- Be enrolled as a full-time student (undergraduate) in Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 semesters
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher throughout employment period
- Be in good standing with the university
- Participate in the Spring Leadership Training Course and Retreat
- 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 2024
- 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)
- Past mentors have been successful in only taking one class during Summer II
- 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 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 18, 2024
- Work two other NSP sponsored event from August 18 – 25, 2024
- 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:
- 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
- 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 $2200 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 2024)
- 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 2024 Required Dates
- Retreat
- January 19 – 21 (Summer Start Mentors & Orientation Leaders)
- Leadership Training
- January 17th 4PM-6PM – Training
- January 31th 4PM-6PM – Training
- February 14th 4PM-6PM – Training
- February 28th 4PM-6PM – Training
- March 27th 4PM-6PM – Training
- April 10th 4PM-6PM – Training
- April 24rd 4PM-6PM – Training
Summer 2024 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 2024
- 40 hours per week (approximate)
- Summer Start: Mid-June through early-August 2024
- 25 hours per week (approximate)
- Wolfpack Welcome Week
- New Student Convocation – tentatively slated for Sunday, August 18, 2024
- Work two other NSP sponsored events from August 18 – 25, 2024
| Application Opens | Monday, September 25, 2023 |
| Highly Recommended Information Sessions: Former Orientation Leaders & Summer Start Mentors from 2023 to learn more about their experience in the role. | Wednesday, September 6 at 12pm – Talley 3210 Thursday, September 14 at 5pm – Talley 3210 Friday, September 15 at 12pm – Talley 3210 Monday, September 25 at 12pm – Talley 3210 Monday, October 2 at 5pm – Talley 3210 Wednesday, October 11 at 12pm – Zoom |
Application Deadline | Friday October 20 at 11:59pm |
| Interview Notification | Ongoing |
| Deadline to Schedule an Interview | 3 days after Interview Invite |
| Interviews | Starting Monday, October 30 – November 3 |
| Selection Notification | Wednesday, November 8 |
| Deadline to Accept the Role | Friday, November 10 at 5PM |
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 2023 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 will need to attend one required 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.
If you are selected to move on to the interview stage, this section will review what you can expect for your 2024 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.
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 20 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 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.
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 2024 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.
What are previous Summer Start Mentors saying?
“My favorite part about being a Summer Start Mentor is being able to meet with so many different people. I also really enjoyed hanging out with all of the mentors during the events as it really made my summer much more enjoyable!”
- Nicholas Peluso, 2023 Summer Start Mentor
“My experience as a Summer Start Mentor was amazing! I was able to build meaningful relationships with my mentees and fellow mentors. I can confidently say that I had an unforgettable summer.”
- Anuja Koirala, 2023 Summer Start Mentor
“The most important part of being a Summer Start Mentor is creating lasting memories with both the mentees and the mentors; that is what I accomplished. I enjoyed spending time with my mentees in our one on one meeting. I got to see a different side of them and how each was unique. It made me appreciate those 30 minutes with them and the time we had in our meetings. I appreciate the other mentors for being inclusive and supportive in everything. Summer Start was the highlight of my summer and I cannot wait to bring it up every chance I get!”
- Andrea Martinez-Sandoval, 2023 Summer Start Mentor
“Coming to campus as a Summer Start Mentor made my summer an experience I will never forget. Seeing how the new students start to grow and adapt to college life so quickly made me excited and curious about what the future holds for them. In addition, the other Summer Start Mentors and Pro-staff made this experience even better by building a connection and a family that will last forever.”
- Yasser Cardenas, 2023 Summer Start Mentor