Become a CALES Peer Mentor

The CALES Student Success Peer Mentor program is an opportunity for you to receive semester-long training in leadership, communication, problem solving, critical thinking and relationship building to help and support peers in having a successful experience at the university.

Develop Leadership and Earn Course Credit as a Peer Mentor

In this leadership for-credit program, mentors learn about and apply basic counseling skills, professional development skills and leadership skills to effectively inform and guide their student mentees. After completing the role as a peer mentor, students will earn an engagement competency on their transcript and could potentially earn internship units.

Need to request a peer mentor? Visit the peer mentor request page to get started.

How to Apply

The CALES Peer Mentor application is open for Spring 2025. Review the application qualifications below or contact Arianna Buchanan (ab834@arizona.edu) for more information.

Peer Mentor Application

  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25
  • Currently enrolled as a University of Arizona student and will continue enrollment during participation in the program
  • Completed at least one full year of academic courses at the University of Arizona (sophomore status or higher)
  • Excellent communication skills or willingness to develop skill
  • Ability to relate to students from diverse backgrounds
  • Basic knowledge of University of Arizona campus resources
  • Commitment to student success and confidentiality

 These application requirements are for students who have not been a CALES Student Success Peer Mentor in previous semesters:

  • Submit a complete online application with all materials requested:
  • A cover letter in PDF format that addresses the following questions:
    • What does being a peer mentor mean to you, and why are you interested in being a CALES Student Success Peer Mentor?
    • What campus resources have you used and would encourage others to use?
    • Why are you uniquely qualified to serve as a leader and role model to students?
    • What are the benefits and importance of diversity on a college campus?
    • Share relevant work or leadership experience.
  • A  resume that lists work experiences, as well as academic and campus involvement.
  • One reference, preferably an instructor, academic advisor or mentor who can talk about your character. Include the person's full name and contact information.

Have your materials prepared by the time you start the application as you will not be able to save and return to the application later. Selected candidates will be notified of their status via email.

These application requirements are for students who have prior experience as a CALES Student Success Peer Mentor:

  • Submit a complete online application with all materials requested:
  • A cover letter in PDF format that addresses the following questions:
    • What are you looking for in your next opportunity as a CALES Student Success Peer Mentor?
    • What campus resources have you used and would encourage others to use?
    • How have you balanced your responsibilities as a student and mentor? How can you improve?
    • Why are you uniquely qualified to serve as a leader and role model to students?
    • What are the benefits and importance of diversity on a college campus? 
  • A  resume that lists work experiences, CALES peer mentorship experience, and additional academic and campus involvement.

Have all of your application information and materials ready by the time you apply as you will not be allowed to save and return to the application later. Selected candidates will be notified of their status via e-mail. 

  • Mentor approximately 10-20 students throughout the semester.
  • Support and attend the CALES 195C/A success course every week throughout the semester.
  • Meet with the assigned CALES 195C/A instructor per an agreement between the mentor and instructor.
  • Schedule at least 4 office hours to be accessible to student mentees every week throughout the semester.
  • Assist with social events hosted by CALES peer mentors.
  • Enhance your skills with a growth mindset and coaching from the program director, program coordinator and instructors. 
  • Attend the mandatory, in-person, CALES Peer Mentor Onboarding Session on Tuesday, January 14 from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Attend the mandatory, in-person, weekly professional development meetings (CALS 393/493) on Tuesdays from 8–9 a.m.