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Position Summary:

First-Year Mentors at IU Indianapolis play a vital role on our campus! As a first-year mentor, you will help and support the next class of students starting their college journey from their very first day through the end of the fall semester. In this paid, part-time role, mentors serve as a peer leader, a role model for new students, a resource connecting to campus, and someone who can make the transition from high school to college a little bit easier. 

This is a great on-campus position for students who enjoy helping others, want leadership experience, looking for new ways to connect to the campus community, and are looking for flexible hours that fit around their class schedule.

Why You’ll Love This Job 

As a First-Year Mentor, you will:

  • Build leadership and mentoring experience that stands out on grad school and job applications.
  • Strengthen your public speaking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Get paid on campus while making a real difference for new students.
  • Work a flexible 5–7 hours per week that fits around your classes.
  • Connect with faculty, staff, and campus leaders—and build a strong network for references and future opportunities.
  • Make campus feel smaller and more welcoming for students who are just starting out.

No prior mentoring experience is required—training and ongoing support are provided.

 

What being a First-Year Mentor Looks Like

Time Commitment & Typical Weekly Breakdown

During the fall semester, First-Year Mentors work 5–7 hours per week, which may include:

  • Attend FYS class: 1–2 hours.
  • Student outreach & mentoring (meetings, follow-ups): 1–2 hours.
  • Preparation & planning (activities, materials, coordination): 1–2 hours.
  • Campus/community events: 0.5–1.5 hours 
  • Professional development & reflection: 1-2 hours 

Some weeks (e.g., during training and Bridge Week) may have slightly higher time commitments, which will be communicated in advance.

 

Key Responsibilities: 

  1.  In-Class Support & Engagement
  • Attend your assigned First-Year Seminar (FYS) class sessions (typically once per week).
  • Assist the instructor with activities, small group discussions, and in-class exercises.
  • Encourage participation, help students feel comfortable, and model positive academic behaviors.
  • Observe student engagement and take notes to inform follow-up and outreach.

2.       Mentoring & Student Outreach

  • Build relationships with first-year students by being approachable and supportive.
  • Meet individually or in small groups with FYS students to check in on their academic progress, well-being, and campus adjustment.
  • Reach out to students who miss class, seem disengaged, or express concerns, and help connect them to appropriate resources.
  • Communicate with students and share announcements. 

3.       Resource Guidance & Referral

  • Share information about academic support services, involvement opportunities, financial wellness, and other campus resources.
  • Help students identify which resources best fit their needs and how to access them.
  • Serve as a peer connector between students and campus offices, referring concerns to professional staff when appropriate.

4.        Communication, Documentation & Reporting

  • Track attendance patterns, engagement, and follow-up actions for assigned students.
  • Share relevant concerns with the FYS instructor and First-Year Experience staff—especially related to student safety, academic risk, or well-being—while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and privacy.
  • Provide feedback and suggestions to improve the FYS course and the overall First-Year Experience.

5.        Training, Team Meetings & Professional Development

  • Attend all required training sessions prior to the start of the fall semester.
  • Participate in the First-Year Mentor kickoff event in the spring.
  • Attend any mentor meetings with the Coordinators, First-Year Experience staff for updates, reflection, and ongoing professional development.
  • Attend and support your students through all of Bridge Week

6.        Campus & Community Engagement

  • Promote and, when possible, attend campus events, workshops, and programs with FYS students to help them get involved.
  • Encourage students to explore campus, meet new people, and build a strong sense of belonging at IU Indianapolis.

 

Position Requirements: 

  • Be a current undergraduate student in good standing at IU Indianapolis. 
  • Maintain a 2.8 GPA.
  • Attend and complete all training sessions scheduled before the semester begins.
  • Actively participate in Bridge Week and remain engaged throughout the entire week.
  • Possess positive communication and teamwork skills.  
  • Demonstrate personal initiative and a strong work ethic.  
  • Strong critical thinking skills  
  • Be able to interact with a wide range of people.  
  • Demonstrate the ability to interact with students, families, faculty and staff.  
  • Serve in and out of the classroom approximately 5-7 hours a week in August - December  
  • Ensure effective communication of student progress.
  • Represent the University and Office of First-Year Experience 

 

What You’ll Gain (Learning Outcomes): 

By the end of the position, First-Year Mentors will be able to:

  • Demonstrate leadership by guiding first-year students, facilitating discussions, and serving as a positive role model.
  • Communicate effectively with students, faculty, and staff in both one-on-one and large group settings.
  • Support goal-setting and success strategies by helping students create realistic plans, connect to resources, and stay accountable.
  • Contribute to a supportive community by fostering belonging, engagement, and involvement.

 

Key Dates & Availability
First-Year Mentors are expected to be available for:

  • The spring First-Year Mentor kickoff event (typically in April.)
  • Pre-semester training, including online training over the summer and in-person August (multiple days before classes begin.)
  • Bridge Week (the week before fall classes begin.)
  • Weekly FYS class meetings during the fall semester.
  • Monthly mentor meetings or check-ins with Coordinators and or the FYE Team. 

Specific dates will be shared during recruitment and selection.