Each year the Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST) hires a team of Peer Mentors to support the CAST POWER Program.
Applicants have multiple options to choose from when applying.
- Seminar-Only Peer Mentor (formerly 110 Peer Mentor) – work with the students in the UGEP 120 seminar-only classes (14 positions available)
- 4-Day + Seminar Peer Mentor (formerly 120 Peer Mentor) – work with students who participate in the Four-Day Foundational Event and the UGEP 120 seminar classes (32 positions available)
- Senior Lead Peer Mentor – work with students in a UGEP 120 seminar class and provide mentorship, guidance, and support for CAST POWER Program (3 positions available)
Compensation
- Starting at $15.00 per hour (5-8 hours on average per week during the fall semester)
- Early move-in expenses paid for 4-Day + Seminar Peer Mentors living on-campus during August training and 4-Day Foundational Event
Qualifications for All Peer Mentors
- Currently enrolled full-time at UNL
- Participated in either a CAST POWER seminar (UGEP 110 or UGEP 120)
- Cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher
- Demonstrate the following:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to build relationships and connect with others
- Time management and organizational skills
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Adaptability to work with diverse student needs
Additional Qualifications for Senior Lead Peer Mentors
- Must meet all qualifications as a Peer Mentor
- Must have one year prior experience as a CAST POWER or OSSP Peer Mentor
- Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor peers effectively



Responsibilities for All Peer Mentors
- Must be available for all training, professional development, and program dates (see detailed table below)
- Attend and co-facilitate weekly seminar course
- Regularly communicate with 20-25 first-year students
- Lead small group activities and discussions
- Be willing to share your experiences as a peer mentor in a variety of forums
- Schedule and facilitate required one-on-one meetings with your assigned students
- Attend weekly meetings with your assigned CAST staff partner
- Abide by Center for Academic Success and Transition policies and procedures
- Abide by University of Nebraska–Lincoln policies and procedures and the University of Nebraska Student Code of Conduct
Additional Responsibilities for Senior Lead Peer Mentors
- Must fulfill all responsibilities as a Peer Mentor
- Serve as a mentor and role model for other Peer Mentors, providing guidance and feedback
- Assist with Peer Mentor training sessions, including leading breakout groups or team-building activities
- Serve as a resource to answer questions, address challenges, and share strategies for success with fellow mentors
- Collaborate with CAST staff to ensure the smooth implementation of the August foundational event and Fall seminar courses
- Contribute to evaluating and improving the Peer Mentor experience
Mandatory Training and Program Dates* | |
---|---|
Date(s) | Description |
TBA | All Peer Mentor Spring Kickoff |
TBA | Spring Semester Training Sessions |
Tuesday, August 18 - Friday, August 14, 2026 | August Training – 4-Day + Seminar |
Sunday, August 16 - Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 4-Day |
Friday, August 21, 2026 | August Training – Seminar-Only |
TBA (Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) | Mentor Momentum Meetings (Ongoing Fall Training) |
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
| Weekly Seminar*** |



Estimated Hiring Timeline** | |
Date(s) | Description |
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | Applications for Senior Lead Peer Mentors open at 5:00 PM. |
Friday, October 31, 2025 | Applications for Senior Leader Peer Mentors due at 1:00 PM. |
Monday, November 3, 2025 | Applications open for new and returning Peer Mentors. |
Wednesday, November 5 - Friday, November 14 | Interviews for Senior Lead Peer Mentors. |
Friday, November 14, 2025 | Applications for new and returning Peer Mentors close at 1:00 PM. |
Monday, November 17, 2025 – Friday, December 5, 2025 | Interview for new Peer Mentors. |
Friday, November 21, 2025 | Returning Peer Mentors and Senior Lead Peer Mentors will be updated on the status of their applications. |
Wednesday, December 10 – Friday, December 12, 2025 | All new Peer Mentor applicants will be updated on the status of their applications. |
Thank you for your interest in the CAST POWER Peer Mentor position at the Center for Academic Success and Transition.
For questions and accessibility accommodations, please contact Jordan Heim at jordan.heim@unl.edu.



* Note on Mandatory Training and Program Dates: Peer Mentors must attend and actively participate in all training sessions and program dates. When planning Spring 2026 and Fall 2026 class schedules, Peer Mentors are required to be available for training dates (Spring 2026) and keep at least three seminar class times available (Fall 2026). Failure to meet this requirement may result in the job offer being rescinded. Each Peer Mentor will be paired with another Peer Mentor for one weekly seminar class. Pairings will be announced before August 2026.
** Note on Hiring Timeline: The application opening and closing dates and times are fixed and will not change. All other parts of the hiring timeline are subject to change without notice. Due to the high number of applications, not all applicants will receive an interview.