UMS Peer-Mentor

UMS Peer-Mentors are expected to work collaboratively to help first-term CUNY SPS students experience a positive transition back to college in an online program; and to develop a greater sense of integration into the CUNY SPS community. Each Peer-Mentor will assist first-term students with academic success strategies, campus involvement, access to services and resources, and one-on-one guidance and support.

Students who are selected as UMS Peer-Mentors often have differing backgrounds and lifestyles. Differences may include race, ethnicity, age, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation and culture. It is imperative for all UMS Peer-Mentors to be adept at working with cultural differences, therefore, Peer-Mentors will be engaged with trainings that will enable them to understand their own cultural background and be better prepared to approach the mentoring relationship by being open to diverse perspectives, values and experiences.

Benefits of becoming a UMS Peer-Mentor:

  • Get involved in service as a positive role model
  • Understanding the importance of community and respond intentionally, in way that acknowledges and respects the culture of the mentee being served
  • Enhancing your self-awareness while recognizing any personal biases against people of different cultures and work to eliminate them
  • Understanding the role of empathic listening skills and acceptance of cultural differences while developing relationships with Mentees
  • Develop essential professional and interpersonal skills
  • Share the knowledge and enthusiasm about your chosen field of study
  • Develop problem-solving and time management skills
  • Gain insight into campus life and student services
  • Develop leadership skills in working with small and large groups

UMS Peer-Mentors are expected to:

  • Develop a positive mentoring relationship with Mentees by maintaining regular contact
  • Commit to 4 hours and 2 days for mentor training times
  • Commit to 2-3 hours per week with Mentees which includes related activities, workshops, reporting, and administrative check-ins with the program coordinator
  • Thoroughly document engagements with Mentees
  • Be responsive to the program coordinator when contacted
  • Submit to the UMS program coordinator weekly updates on your Mentee's academic and social progress
  • Attend regular Zoom check-ins with the UMS program coordinator
  • Participate in monthly social and cultural meet-ups with program participants
  • Attend monthly academic enrichment workshops and trainings
  • Provide feedback and assist in evaluation process

UMS Peer-Mentor Qualifications:

  • Students must have been enrolled at CUNY SPS in one of our undergraduate programs for one or more semesters
  • Exhibit strong interpersonal skills with a willingness to help support first-term students overcome some of the barriers to online education
  • Possess excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse students
  • Have the ability to maintain high levels of self-motivation, enthusiasm, and maturity

UMS Peer-Mentors will receive an annual stipend, if selected, and receive training in cultural competence and mentoring to work with their cohort of mentees from across our health sciences programs. Stipends will be reported to the U.S. government for tax purposes.

Students interested in applying to be a UMS Peer-Mentor during the spring 2023 term need to complete this application by Friday, January 20, 2023.

Applicants will be notified of their program status shortly thereafter and will be expected to attend mandatory trainings on Tuesday, February 7, and Wednesday, February 8, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 pm via Zoom.

The CUNY SPS Urban Male Scholars program and its activities are open to all academically eligible students, faculty, staff, and alumni without regard to race, gender, national origin, or other characteristics.

For information on how to apply to be a Mentee in the spring 2023 semester, complete the application on our UMS Mentee page.

If you have questions about the CUNY SPS Urban Male Scholars program, contact program coordinator Michael Gilbert.