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.
- 110 Peer Mentor (new or returning) – work with the students in the UGEP 110 seminar-only classes (14 positions available)
- 120 Peer Mentor (new or returning) – work with students in the UGEP 120 seminar classes and participate in the CAST Four-Day Foundational Event (32 positions available)
- Senior Lead Peer Mentor – work with students in a UGEP 110 or UGEP 120 seminar class and provide mentorship, guidance, and support for CAST POWER Program (3 positions available)
Compensation
- $14.50 per hour (5-8 hours on average per week during the fall semester)
- Early move-in expenses paid for 120 Peer Mentors living on-campus during August training/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
- Must maintain full-time student status
- 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 110 or 120 Peer Mentor
- At least two years of 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 list 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 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 110 or 120 Peer Mentors
- Serve as a mentor and role model for 110 and 120 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
- All Peer Mentor Spring Kickoff: Thursday, April 3, 2025, 5:00–7:00 PM
- Spring Semester Training Sessions:
- Thursday, April 10, 2025, 5:00–7:00 PM
- Thursday, April 17, 2025, 5:00–7:00 PM
- Thursday, April 24, 2025, 5:00–7:00 PM
- Thursday, May 1, 2025, 5:00–7:00 PM
- August Training - 120 Peer Mentors:
- Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Thursday, August 14, 2025, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Friday, August 15, 2025, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
- August Training - 110 Peer Mentors:
- Friday, August 22, 2025, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Ongoing Fall Semester Training:
- To be determined
- Program Dates - Four-Day Foundational Event (120 Peer Mentors):
- Sunday, August 17 – Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 8:00 AM–7:00 PM
- Program Dates - Weekly Seminar (All Peer Mentors):
- All Peer Mentors will be scheduled with a partner Peer Mentor for one weekly seminar class. Peer Mentor pairings will be announced by August.
- Tuesday:
- 2:00–2:50 PM (110, 120)
- 3:00–3:50 PM (120)
- 3:30–4:20 PM (110)
- Wednesday:
- 11:00–11:50 AM (110)
- 1:30–2:20 PM (110)
- 3:00–3:50 PM (120)
- 4:00–4:50 PM (120)
- Thursday:
- 11:00–11:50 AM (110)
- 2:00–2:50 PM (110)
- 3:00–3:50 PM (120)
- 4:00–4:50 PM (120)
- Friday:
- 10:00–10:50 AM (120)
- Tuesday:
- All Peer Mentors will be scheduled with a partner Peer Mentor for one weekly seminar class. Peer Mentor pairings will be announced by August.
Note: All Peer Mentors are required to attend and actively participate in all training sessions and program dates. Please ensure you have availability for at least two seminar class times.
Estimated Hiring Timeline
- Friday, January 31, 2025, at Noon
- Applications for returning Peer Mentors and Senior Lead Peer Mentors are due.
- Wednesday, February 5 – Tuesday, February 11, 2025
- Interviews for Senior Lead Peer Mentors and returning Peer Mentors (who are required to re-interview) will take place.
- Friday, February 7, 2025, at Noon
- Applications for new Peer Mentor applicants are due.
- Monday, February 17 – Friday, February 28, 2025
- Interviews for new Peer Mentors will take place.
- Friday, February 21, 2025
- Returning Peer Mentors and Senior Lead Peer Mentors will be updated on the status of their applications.
- Friday, March 14, 2025
- All new Peer Mentor applicants will be updated on the status of their applications.
Note: This timeline is subject to change without notice.
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.