BASE Program Peer Mentor

Position Title: Program Mentor for the BASE Program 

Goal of the Position: To develop relationships and support students in the BASE Program by promoting independence, positive peer relationships, decision-making, and personal development.

Role: The program mentor’s role is to support their mentees by:

• Meeting with their mentee once a week for one hour for a pre-determined activity
• Supporting the mentee’s connection to the broader campus community. 
• Empowering the mentee to resolve issues by providing guidance and connecting them with appropriate campus resources. 
• Acknowledging the mentee’s strengths and talents and encouraging them to use them on campus.
• When available, attending BASE group events with their mentee to help them engage socially in a group setting
• Participate in a a monthly BASE Program Social Committee to plan monthly social events

Responsibilities:

• Program mentors will participate in the early move-in process, assisting BASE students in adjusting to 1st year campus life or their return to campus.
• Program mentors will be open to meet with their assigned BASE Program participant once a week for at least one hour. 
• During this hour, mentors and mentees will engage in an activity they both agree on (study together, eat lunch, attend a campus event together, etc.).
• During their weekly activity, they will conduct a brief check-in with the BASE Program participant, discuss student needs,  offer life skills or problem-solving guidance if requested, and connect them to any additional appropriate campus resources.
• After the weekly activity, they will complete a short report that briefly covers your weekly activity.
• They will maintain confidentiality of BASE Program students at all times.
• They will participate in check-ins with the BASE Program Coordinator at once a quarter. 
• They will keep the BASE Program Coordinator updated with any concerns or problems.
• They will seek assistance from the Coordinator if questions arise that they cannot answer

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA
• A desire to help peers navigate the demands of college
• A willingness to provide emotional, social, and practical support within limits
• Knowledge of one’s boundaries and the ability to set limits with others
• A willingness to learn and implement current and best practices in working with neurodivergent peers and respect for our neurodiverse campus community. 

Time Commitment and Details:

• Mentors must commit to a minimum time commitment of one hour per week per mentee. 
• Mentors may spend additional time with their mentee(s) as needed, but no more than four hours per week.
• The day and time of the weekly activity is determined with both the mentor and mentee to allow them to find a time that works with both schedules.
• Mentors should be available by phone/email contact within reason.
• Mentors must engage in a minimum of one check-in meeting with the BASE Program Coordinator per quarter (two per semester).
• Program mentors may be required to arrive to campus 1-3 days before first-year fall semester move-in.
• Program mentors will be expected to work both Fall and Spring semesters. They are not expected to work over breaks.

Supervision/Training:

• Program mentors will be supervised by the BASE Program Coordinator.
• Program mentors will have a training at the beginning of both Fall and Spring semester (paid).

Benefits:

• A wonderful addition to your resume
• Great experience for those pursuing Special Education, Secondary Education, Mental Health Care, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Business, or Academic Advising.
• Learn more about yourself and engage in personal growth
• Develop Leadership and relational skills
• Contribute to the Bridgewater College community