LEARNING COMMUNITY PEER MENTOR

Freshman Learning Communities

What are Learning Communities?

Prospective freshmen attending Orientation and Registration have an opportunity to choose a Learning Community block of classes for the fall semester. In the block, two of the classes are "paired". That means that the professors work together to create links between their classes, connecting concepts through discussion and assignments. Students in learning communities have opportunities to participate in activities, discussions and trips to locations around the city that give a new perspective on the subjects studied in classes. As with all freshmen at Baruch, the Freshman Seminar (FRO1000) is a required class that is led by a peer mentor.

Why Become a Peer Mentor for a Learning Community?

In small classes, students make close friendships and get to know professors both in and out of class. Each community has a peer mentor who is trained to build and nurture these connections for students. Peer mentors are friends, advisors, listeners and guides through the often confusing first semester at college. The peer mentors lead their groups through the freshman seminar (FRO1000) coordinating a group project that creates awareness of campus and community resources.

Freshman Learning Communities Peer Mentor Job Description

Peer Mentors will be responsible for:

• Contacting and staying connected with students in your LC
• Establishing and maintaining communication with both professors
• Assisting professors with planning and attending (if possible) any trips or events
• Setting up study groups where needed
• LC Professors MAY initiate an in-class project or activity as requirement for class. Peer mentors will assist.
• Facilitating some or all of the 6 (this number not definite yet) FRO sessions (training and scripting provided)
• Attending information and FRO training sessions May 15 (12:30 - 1:30), August 18 ( 10-4) August 20 (10-4)
• Attending a bi-weekly supervision meeting

Criteria To Apply:

• Students interested in being a peer mentor for a learning community should have a strong GPA and be able to take on the extra hours involved in a part-time job without compromising their own academic standing.
•  Given the time commitment to the students in the community, it is not recommended that a student leader work in multiple leadership roles during any one semester.

Click here to download the application form for Learning Communities Peer Mentor 2008. [PDF]