Job Description
Employer : Mount St. Joseph University 5701 Delhi Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45233
Department : First-Year Experience
Status : Non-Exempt
Supervisor Contact Information : Kathryn Mitchell kathryn.mitchell@msj.edu 513.300.4328
Pay Rate & Evaluation : This is not an hourly position. Compensation for Peer Mentoring will be once a semester stipend processed by MSJ payroll after all job responsibilities are performed at the end of each semester (summer, fall, and spring).
Program Summary The First-Year Experience (FYE) Peer Mentor Program supports new students during orientation, Welcome Weekend, and throughout their first year at the institution. Peer Mentors serve as guides, role models, and connectors, helping new students build confidence, community, and awareness of campus resources while supporting a successful transition to college. Lead Peer Mentors are student-leaders who provide program leadership, coordination with academic departments, and support for the mentoring team in collaboration with professional staff and campus partners.
Program Outcomes: - Develop strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, including active listening, problem-solving, and providing constructive feedback.
- Gain experience guiding first-year students through academic, social, and personal transitions while effectively connecting them to campus resources.
- Foster an inclusive and supportive environment, helping mentees of diverse backgrounds feel a sense of belonging within the campus community.
- Strengthen their ability to mentor, collaborate, and lead-developing valuable, transferable skills for future careers, graduate studies, and leadership roles
- Contribute to student retention, success, and engagement by promoting campus involvement, academic persistence, and a positive peer support network.
Peer Mentoring at a Glance... Item Level I - FYE Peer Mentor Level II - Lead FYE Peer Mentor Commitment
Full-year: Summer, Fall, Spring
Full-year: Summer, Fall, Spring
Peak Periods
High engagement during Orientation & Welcome Weekend events;
Participate in trainings, meetings, and First-Year throughout the year
Significant leadership coverage during Orientation & Welcome Weekend
Plan and lead trainings, meetings, and First-Year events throughout the year
Weekly
~5-10 hrs/week
~8-15 hrs/week
Pay
Stipend at the end of summer, spring, and fall semesters
Resident Lead PM : single room + Blue Meal Plan; stipend at the end of summer, spring, and fall semesters
Commuter Lead PM : Blue Meal Plan; Stipend at the end of summer, spring, and fall semesters
Reports To
Director, First-Year Programming
First-Year Programming Staff and Instructors
Lead Peer Mentors
Director, First-Year Programming
Level I - FYE Peer Mentor (Intermediate Leadership Role) Position Overview: FYE Peer Mentors serve as guides, connectors, and role models for new students during orientation, Welcome Weekend, and throughout the academic year. They support small cohorts of new students, foster belonging, and promote awareness of academic expectations and campus resources.
Reports To: Director, First-Year Programming; First-Year Programming Staff and Instructors; Lead Peer Mentors
Compensation: Stipend at the end of each semester (Summer, Fall, Spring)
Key Responsibilities - Lead and support a small group of new students during Orientation, Welcome Weekend, and throughout the school year
- Facilitate discussions and activities focused on college transition, engagement, and success.
- Serve as a consistent point of contact for mentees throughout the first year.
- Provide accurate information about academic expectations, campus life, and support resources.
- Identify concerns and connect students with appropriate campus offices using established protocols.
- Communicate regularly with professional staff; complete required check-ins, reports, and evaluations.
- Model positive academic habits, leadership, inclusion, and campus engagement.
- Participate in trainings, meetings, and FY events as they are scheduled throughout the year.
Time Commitment: - Required summer dates listed above
- Academic year: Ongoing mentoring, meetings, and check-ins
- Estimated weekly hours: ~5-10 hours during the semester
Level II - Lead FYE Peer Mentor (Advanced Leadership Role) Position Overview: Lead Peer Mentors are senior student leaders who assist with planning, coordination, and assessment of orientation and first-year transition programs. They supervise and support Peer Mentors in collaboration with professional staff, serve as liaisons to academic departments and campus partners, and help ensure high-quality, inclusive student experiences.
Reports To: Director, First-Year Programming
Compensation: - Resident Lead Peer Mentor: Free single room + Blue Meal Plan
- Commuter Lead Peer Mentor: Blue Meal Plan
- Stipend: Small stipend at the end of each semester (Summer, Fall, Spring)
Key Responsibilities - Plan, implement, and evaluate Orientation/ROAR Days, Welcome Weekend, and first-year transition events.
- Serve as a liaison to academic Deans, Department Chairs, and Campus Directors to build supplemental programming.
- Support recruitment, training, supervision, and ongoing development of Peer Mentors.
- Provide guidance, coaching, scheduling, and problem-solving for mentor teams; help coordinate assignments and communication.
- Lead team meetings and trainings; contribute to program design, schedules, and engagement strategies.
- Troubleshoot during events and support real-time decision-making consistent with program protocols.
- Model professionalism, leadership, inclusion, and customer service; represent the program in meetings and campus initiatives.
- Contribute student-research initiatives related to Lead Peer Mentoring.
Additional Qualifications and Expectations: - Prior experience as a Peer Mentor (or comparable student leadership role).
- Demonstrated leadership, organization, and communication skills.
- High degree of autonomy and accountability; involved in planning and implementation decisions.
- Acts as a program representative to campus stakeholders; trusted with confidential information.
- Accountable for program effectiveness, mentor support, and professional collaboration.
Time Commitment: - Pre-orientation planning & training: ~25-40 hours
- Orientation & Welcome Weekend: Significant leadership coverage and event operations
- Academic year: Ongoing leadership, planning, and mentor support
- Estimated weekly hours: ~8-15 hours during the semester
Qualifications and Expectations for ALL Peer Mentors: - Must be currently enrolled at Mount St. Joseph University
- All undergraduate students who have completed at least one academic year are eligible, both commuters and residents.
- Must be in Good Academic Standing
- Minimal Disciplinary History
- Full-year participation across Summer, Fall, and Spring events.
- Enrollment or completion of FYE 102 Leader, Mentor, Agent of Chance
- Attendance at all required dates, trainings, meetings, and program evaluations.
- Commitment and collaboration with First Year Programming Staff, Academic Deans and Department Chairs, Campus Resources personnel, and Retention Team.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, reliability, professionalism, and willingness to build rapport with diverse student populations; maintain boundaries and confidentiality.
- Willingness to participate in training and ongoing development.
- Serve as a visible representative of the institution and program.
- Required Availability Dates for Summer 2026:
- April 26 (Orientation Training)
- June 03, June 05 (Orientation Days)
- July 08, July 10 (Orientation Days)
- August 17-23 (Leadership Training and Welcome Weekend Events)
To apply, please upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information with three professional references via Paycom.
A review of resumes will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Please click here to review the University's policies on E-Verify, Equal Opportunity, and Non-Discrimination.
Mount St. Joseph University is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Summer work, Live in, Immediate start, Weekend work