The College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences (CALES) Student Success Peer Mentor program (formerly known as CALS PALS) supports CALES students semester-long by building rapport and providing individualized coaching to have a successful experience at the university. If you are interested in helping CALES students navigate the Spring 2024 semester, consider applying and gaining skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and relationship-building. The ongoing professional development is provided every week to learn how to mentors will effectively support, inform, and guide mentees.
Mentors have the opportunity to support CALES students who request a peer mentor in ways such as navigating campus resources, providing tips to succeed in classes, and more. Mentees may also have the opportunity to support students placed in academic warning. Mentors are paired with students in the CALS 195A - Cultivating Academic & Learning Strategies course, designed for students placed in Academic Warning. Mentors assist in supporting them through the semester-long intervention and providing guidance as appropriate.
CALES Peer Mentor Responsibilities
- Mentor approximately 10-20 students in the fall semester.
- If assigned, support and attend the CALES 195A success course class time every week throughout the spring 2024 semester.
- Meet with the assigned CALES 195A instructor per an agreement between the mentor and instructor.
- Schedule at minimum 4 office hours to be accessible to student mentees every week throughout the spring 2024 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
- Attend the mandatory, in-person, spring 2024 weekly professional development meetings (CALS 393/493) on Tuesdays 8 am - 9 am (subject to change)
Benefits of being a CALES Peer Mentor
- Earn two to three units of upper-division credit in CALS 393 or 493. Speak with your major advisor to plan accordingly.
- Earn a stipend at the end of the semester. Stipend amount will be confirmed once role is offered.
- Earn a UA student engagement competency and activity.
- Work closely with course facilitators and CALES staff
- Learn basic counseling skills
- Enhance your own personal and professional development skills
- Assist other students with academic and learning strategies
- Develop professional and meaningful relationships with student mentees
- Enhance your leadership skills with professional development opportunities
Minimum Qualifications
- Students that have not been in academic warning: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Students that have previously been in academic warning and have returned to eligible status: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- 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 or willingness to develop skill
- Commitment to student success and confidentiality
Application Requirements
New mentor applicant (Has 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.
Returning mentor applicant (Has 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 with 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.
Applications for Spring 2024 are now open, apply today! If you have questions or want to learn more please email Arianna Buchanan at ab834@arizona.edu
Apply here
Program Coordinator: Arianna Buchanan, Academic Advisor I, at 520-621-3616 or in Forbes room 203
Program Director: Nancy Rodriguez-Lorta, Senior Director of Academic Advising and Student Services, at 520-621-3616 or in Forbes room 203