What is a First-Year Mentor?

A First-Year Mentor (FYM), formerly known as a peer mentor, is an undergraduate student who leads and mentors a group of approximately 10–20 first-year or transfer students throughout orientation and their first year at LVC. The primary mission of the FYM program is to ease the transition of new students to Lebanon Valley College and encourage their personal, social, and academic success. Additionally, the program helps new students connect with other peers, support systems, and, ultimately, the institution.

 

Objectives of the First-Year Mentor Program

• To acquaint each first-year and transfer student with Lebanon Valley College’s structure, services, and community.
• To help new students connect with other peers and support services in a meaningful and positive way.
• To support students in their personal, social, and academic transitions, and address any needs and concerns that arise.
• To promote engagement in academic, social, and cultural opportunities.

 

Expectations of First-Year Mentors

• Participation in the required First-Year Mentor Training (Saturday, August 22 through Wednesday, August 26).
• Participation in the entire New Student Orientation program (Thursday, August 27 through Sunday, August 30).
• Become acquainted with all assigned mentees and establish positive relationships.
• Facilitate meetings with assigned mentees at least three times throughout the fall semester through one-on-one and group meetings, in addition to casual interactions.
• Serve as a positive role model through your personal, academic, and social behavior.
• Be knowledgeable about campus resources and services for appropriate recommendations and referrals.
• Attend scheduled meetings with supervisor as necessary.
• Attend two campus social activities within the first six weeks.
• Attend the Leadership Conference during the fall semester (Date TBD).

 

First-Year Mentor Criteria

• Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at the start of the 2020 spring semester.
• Completed application and résumé by Wednesday, March 25, at 12 p.m.
• Personal interview with Brandon Smith (please treat this as if you were attending a professional interview).
• Good disciplinary standing.
• Exhibit the ability to lead, learn, and work effectively with a diverse group of team members.
• Be reliable, flexible, a good communicator, and responsible.

 

Benefits and Perks of Being a First-Year Mentor

• $150 stipend
• Free First-Year Mentor t-shirt
• Free meals during First-Year Mentor Training and New Student Orientation
• Develop leadership and mentorship skills
• Create a significant impact on incoming LVC students
• Great résumé building opportunity
• Move-in early before everyone else returns
  
  

2020 First-Year Mentor Selection Timeline and Important Dates

Friday, Feb. 14, 2020: Applications Available Online

Attendance at one of the following:

• Tuesday, February 18, 2020: Information Session, 11 a.m., Tweedie Meeting Room, Allan W. Mund College Center
• Wednesday, February 26, 2020: Information Session, 4 p.m., Tweedie Meeting Room, Mund College Center
• Tuesday, March 10, 2020: Information Session, 12:15 p.m., Tweedie Meeting Room, Mund College Center

Wednesday, March 25, 2020: Applications due by 12 p.m./complete interview sign-up

Monday, March 16, 2020—Thursday, April 9, 2020: Individual interviews

Wednesday, April 15, 2020: Notifications sent via campus email

Wednesday, April 22, 2020: Introductory meeting for selected First-Year Mentors, 4 p.m., Frederic K. Miller Chapel 101 

Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020–Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020: Required First-Year Mentor training (Tentative)

Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020—Sunday, Aug. 30, 2020: Required New Student Orientation

Monday, Aug. 31, 2020: Fall semester begins

 

How to Apply

Access the online application form located on the MyLVC portal. Submit all completed materials by Wednesday, March 25, at 12 p.m. 

It is highly recommended that you have your résumé reviewed by the staff of the Edward and Lynn Breen Center for Graduate Success. Stop by during their open office hours or make an appointment by contacting them at breencenter@lvc.edu.

 

 

Questions about being a First-Year Mentor? Contact Brandon Smith at bhsmith@lvc.edu.