Deadline Extended: Wednesday, September 8, 2021
DMC Mission
The Dowdy Multicultural Center promotes the holistic success and development of Students of Color (SOC) at West Chester University. We implement collaborative co-curricular experiences that; promote multicultural awareness, creates a sense of belonging, affirms racial and cultural identity, and empowers all students to challenge systems of oppression.
DMC Values
These are the values of the center that we focus on through the programs and services provided by the center: Advocacy | Community | Empowerment | Identity Development | Social Justice | Transformative Education | Civic Engagement
Peer Mentoring Program Overview
The DMC Peer Mentoring Program was established in 1994 to support first time and transfer first year Students of Color (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American, Black, Latinx, and Native American) at WCU. The mission continues today and as a result of mentees participating in the Peer Mentoring Program, mentees will:
- identify 4 campus resources and one way to utilize them to support their success.
- identify 4 individuals (staff, faculty or students) that will serve as their support network for the upcoming year.
- create 2 new goals for improving their holistic wellness.
The Peer Mentoring Program includes the following supporting roles: Associate Director, Graduate Student Assistant, Peer Advisors, Engagement Coordinators, Peer Mentors
Peer Mentor Description
The Peer Mentor position is an 11 hour per month voluntary position part of the Dowdy Multicultural Center team.
The Peer Mentor will mentor and support students by providing support in the areas of: identifying campus resources, creating goals related to holistic wellness, and identifying a support network.
Each Peer Mentor will be responsible to meet on a bi-weekly basis and attend programs with up to 3 mentees. The commitment is a total of 11 volunteer hours per month.
Peer Mentor Benefits
- Opportunity to impact first-year Students of Color.
- Increase awareness of campus resources.
- Serve as a resource.
- Enhance leadership and coaching skills.
- Practice communication skills.
Mentor 11 Hour Voluntary Commitment
The following is the breakdown of the minimum commitment of 11 monthly volunteer hours:
- Meet with up to 3 mentees for 2 hours each (6 hours)
- Attending programs hosted by the Peer Mentoring Program with mentees (1.5 hours)
- Monthly Mentor Development Days: all peer mentors come together for these development days (1.5 hours)
- Monthly Mentor Check-ins: small group reflection meeting with other mentors (1 hour)
- Reading Mentoring Program emails including bi-weekly mentor newsletters (45 minutes)
- Completing Mentor reports (15 minutes)
Additionally:
- Communicate intermittently with mentees to coordinate meeting times and general support
- Complete the Virtual Peer Mentor 18 hour Training prior to start of academic year
Eligibility
- Credits: Undergraduates must have earned 24 credits or more by the time application is submitted. Graduate students do not have a minimum of credits.
- GPA Requirements:
Undergraduate students: minimum of a 2.75 cumulative grade point average (GPA) at the time that your application is submitted.
Graduate Students- 1st year: Minimum of a 2.75 undergraduate cumulative GPA. Graduate Students- 2+ year: Minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- GPA Maintain Minimum: Undergraduate students: Maintain a 2.5 per semester GPA. Graduate students: Maintain a 3.0 GPA per semester.
- Failure to maintain the GPA requirements will result in probation or termination of the Peer
- Academic Standing: Must be in good academic standing at WCU.
- Leadership: Must have prior leadership experience and/or engaged in leadership activities on-campus/off-campus (community service, campus involvement, conference attendance, etc.).
- Student Conduct: Applicants who have any incomplete student conduct sanctions will not be considered.
- Hours: Must be available for 11 hours per month.
- Complete the 18-hour Virtual Peer Mentor Training
Expectations and Terms of Peer Mentor Position
- Commit to the full academic year.
- Must maintain the minimum GPA and in good academic standing.
- All reports and deadlines should be met in a timely manner.
- Peer Mentors will be evaluated twice in the Fall semester and twice in the Spring semester.
- Abide by all local, state, and federal laws, as well as all University rules and
Application Process
1. Fill out the application below. Deadline: Thursday, July 1, 2021
Note: We recommend you type your answer on a separate document and paste your answers.
2. Upload resume. Cover Letter is optional.
3. A group interview may be requested by Friday, July 16 dependent on application. Interviews will be conducted over video call after finals week during the month of May.
Please contact Associate Director, Denice Velez dvelez@wcupa.edu with questions.
