Community Advisor & Peer Mentor Application

FAQ

1. I know that by being a Community Advisor/Peer Mentor, I will receive a free room and half off the meal plan.  How will that affect my financial aid?
The Community Advisor/Peer Mentor position can affect your financial aid or scholarship award. However, to determine how that will affect your situation specifically, please contact the Financial Aid office at 904-256-7060.

2. Can I hold another position on/off-campus if I am a Residential Life staff member?
Staff Members who desires to hold another position must have prior approval from their Supervisor. Under no circumstance are CA/PM’s permitted to hold positions that require more than 10 hours of work per week.

3. When is Community Advisor//Peer Mentor training?
For the 2008 –2009 school year, Community Advisor and Peer Mentor training will begin a week before schools starts in August 2008.

4. If I have a conflict, can I miss training or be late for it?
No. Attending Residential Life training in its entirety is required to hold the position. Training lasts approximately one week and covers a breadth of information ranging from programming and confrontation, to community building and diversity. The time invested is critical to prepare Community Advisors and Peers Mentors on how to serve as resources for their residents.

5. If I have been documented for an incident and am currently on probation, can I still be a Residential Life Staff member?
Students must be in good standing with the Code of Conduct stated in the Green Pages. Students who have been or are currently on Residential or Disciplinary probation are not eligible to apply.

6. Can I choose the building I want to be a CA or PM in?
When you apply, you are applying for the position not for a specific residence hall, building, or apartment. Placement is determined by Residential Life and is based on the needs of the building, as well as the applicant’s skill set.  The community options that are available are listed below: 
Village Apartments, Upper-class Communities, Greek Communities, Aviation Community, Wellness Community, NROTC Community, New Student Living and Learning Communities.

7. If I currently don’t live in a residence hall, can someone other than a current Residential Life staff member write one of the references for me?
Yes. Those students who do not currently live in a residence hall have the option of asking someone other than a current Community Advisor/Peer Mentor to write a reference for them. Preferably, that person should be a former employer or professional reference, but in certain circumstances college professors, teachers, advisors, coaches, or religious leaders can be asked, as long as that person can speak to your ability to work as a team player. Parents, friends or other relatives cannot be used as references.  However, we do require an applicant to live on campus for at least one semester.

8. What if I don't have the required GPA?
At the time applications are due (Monday, October 15, 2007), Community Advisor/Peer Mentor applicants must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Students who do not meet these criteria will only be eligible to apply for an alternate position. All CA/PM’s must be full-time students and progressing toward graduation.

9. What do CA and PM’s do?

  • Community development
  • Programming,
  • Counselors
  • Build relationships with residents
  • Help residents get involve in campus
  • Crisis management
  • Promotes campus safety/security
  • Weekly staff meetings
  • Reports maintenance concerns

10. Do I have to stay until the Residence Halls/Buildings are closed or return before the residence halls open?
Staff members are required to return before the halls open and stay until the halls close. Details of dates and times, which are specific to each school year, are listed on that year’s current Community Advisor/Peer Mentor Agreement. It is necessary for some staff members to be on duty for Thanksgiving break or Spring break.

11.  Do I already need to know how to confront people or deal with emergencies?
Training will be provided for all successful candidates. Prior experience is not a requirement to be a Community Advisor or Peer Mentor. All staff members receive training before the academic year on any potential situation that might arise.

12.  What should I wear to the interview?
Your interview is an opportunity to show your potential employer who you are as a candidate. Wear something that will allow you to be comfortable and give you confidence as and individual.  (Please see Tips for a Successful Interview Weekend).