If you have not yet been accepted to PennWest and are interested in applying for this position, please contact Nicole Hiller at HILLER_N@PENNWEST.EDU or 724-938-5090.
PLEASE NOTE, THIS IS AN ON-CAMPUS, IN-PERSON POSITION STARTING FALL 2026
Peer Mentoring Program Specialist, Graduate Student
Campus: PennWest Clarion
Department: Student Success Center
Position Summary:
The Graduate Student for the Peer Mentoring Program at the Clarion campus will support the development and daily operations of the university’s peer mentoring initiatives, with a focus on recruitment, retention, and student engagement. This position is ideal for a graduate student seeking practical experience in higher education, leadership, and student support. The graduate student will work closely with the Peer Mentoring Program Director and serve as a key liaison between staff, student workers, and participants in the mentoring program at the Clarion campus. This in-person role is integral to helping new students succeed and feel connected at PennWest Clarion.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Recruitment and Outreach
- Assist in the recruitment and onboarding of undergraduate peer mentors and incoming mentees.
- Represent the Peer Mentoring Program at campus events, orientation sessions, and outreach initiatives.
- Collaborate with campus partners and faculty to increase program visibility and participation.
2. Mentor Collective Software Utilization
- Actively use the Mentor Collective platform to support program management and communication.
- Monitor mentor-mentee engagement via the software and help troubleshoot issues or concerns.
- Analyze reports generated through Mentor Collective to inform programming and outreach strategies.
3. Support for Embedded Course Mentors
- Provide guidance and support to embedded course mentors serving in First Year Seminar (FYS 1000) courses.
- Serve as a point of contact for faculty and student workers to coordinate classroom activities and expectations.
- Encourage embedded mentors to foster a welcoming, inclusive, and resource-rich environment for new students.
4. Program Development and Campus Engagement
- Contribute to the planning and execution of events and initiatives that build community and encourage academic and personal growth for mentees.
- Promote the goals and values of the Peer Mentoring Program across campus.
- Help design initiatives that promote diversity, belonging, and retention among first-year students.
5. Administrative Support and Collaboration
- Assist with maintaining records, responding to inquiries, and scheduling meetings.
- Collaborate with the program director and team on project planning and task execution.
- Learn to work independently as the point person for the Edinboro campus while contributing to the larger, university-wide mentoring team.
Qualifications:
- Enrollment in a graduate program at PennWest.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Comfort with technology and willingness to learn new software.
- Prior experience with mentoring, student support services, or campus involvement is preferred.
- Commitment to supporting student transition, engagement, and success.
Hours and Compensation:
This is a part-time, in-person position requiring approximately 20 hours per week, with some flexibility based on program needs. Compensation will be provided as an hourly wage in accordance with university policies.
Application Instructions:
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Nicole Hiller at hiller_n@pennwest.edu by July 1.