Transition Mentor Information

Student Success is seeking outstanding students to serve as Transition Mentors (TMs). Students in these positions play a key role in the persistence and completion efforts of the university by assisting with the transition of new students to Wichita State University. Transition Mentors will have the opportunity to build relationships, interact with university staff and faculty and work with a team of peers during these unique leadership experiences. Individuals selected as TMs serve as mentors and role models and are responsible for making new students' transition during their first semester successful.

» Nominate a Transition Mentor

 

 

Applications for the 2024 Transition Mentor staff
will open on November 1.

Job Qualifications

Required Qualifications                 

  • Current undergraduate student
  • Current enrollment in at least 12 credit hours
  • Completion of at least 12 credit hours at Wichita State University
  • Experience with a wide range of campus, community and life experiences
  • A positive attitude about Wichita State University
  • Positive academic and conduct standing with the university
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work with a diverse group of people
  • Ability to serve as a role model for good student behavior
  • Ability to provide guidance, support and motivation for others
  • Ability to perform in an ethical and professional manner
  • Must have an interest in helping students transition to college and Wichita State University
  • Ability to attend and successfully complete all training and commitments outlined in the next section.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Sophomore through senior standing (in fall semester of 2023)
  • 2.75 GPA or higher
Time Commitment

Transition Mentor Commitments

Training
Training is organized as a class during the spring semester. *Weekly training will be 3 - 5 p.m. on Friday afternoons. Training is required of all new and returning Transition Mentors. There will be a student leadership conference during Spring Break in March that is mandatory (transportation, lodging and most meals will be provided by Student Success). There will also be one mandatory overnight retreat planned in May. No exceptions to the training classes or additional leadership activities will be granted.

*If you know you will have a class conflict with training, please let us know upon application by sending an email to first.year@wichita.edu. Don't let a class conflict during training stop you from applying. A class conflict is the ONLY training conflict that will be considered.

Orientation Programs - reserve all day (7 a.m. - 9 p.m.) for the summer program days. You will be notified if, or when, adjustments are made to the schedule.

Spring 2024 Programs
Date Program

January 5
9 a.m. - noon

Spring Retreat
Attendance is mandatory.
January 8 and 12

New Shocker Orientation
All TMs will choose one program to attend. Returning TMs will staff the program, new TMs will shadow.
Attendance is mandatory for the program you choose.

January Weekly Training Training will be scheduled on Friday afternoons, from 3- 5 p.m.
Attendance is mandatory.
March 22 - 24 National Orientation Director's Association (NODA) Regional Conference in Missouri.
Transportation, lodging, and most meals will be provided by Student Success.
Attendance is mandatory.
May 16 - 17 TM Overnight Retreat.
Attendance is mandatory.

Summer and Fall 2023 Programs
Date Program
June 1-2 (tentative), 8-9, 12-13, 22-23, and 29-30

Freshman Orientation
*one or two programs will be designated as Freshman EXTENDED Orientation, which will include an overnight stay.

June 17 New Shocker (transfer/returning adult) Orientation
July 15 New Shocker (transfer/returning adult) Orientation
July 17-18, 24-25, 31- August 1 Freshman Orientation
*one or two programs will be designated as Freshman EXTENDED Orientation, which will include an overnight stay.
August 10-11 and 17-18 Freshman Orientation
August  12 and 14 New Shocker (transfer/returning adult) Orientation

WEEKLY during fall semester:
- Weekly email communication 
- Freshman Study Hall (TH, 5 - 7 p.m.)

We will talk about the fall mentoring program in training.

Weekly emails are required. Participation in Freshman Study Hall (on Thursdays) is expected.

August 25
9 - 11:30 a.m. and 3 - 8 p.m.

CLASH of the Colleges.
Participation is mandatory - the only exception is if you have a class during these times.

August 30 (tentative)
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Syllabus Party.
Attendance is expected.

September TBD
8:30 - 11 a.m.

Academic Convocation.
Attendance is expected.

*Transition Mentors are expected to be available for all Orientation programs and scheduled training activities.

*Transition Mentors are required to reside in provided on-campus housing during the summer to help with evening and weekend programs. Housing work days will be required. Applicants can seek exemption from this requirement from the Student Success staff.

APPLY HERE!

Application Process

Submit your completed application packet in two steps. Paper copies of the application are available in Student Success (Neff Hall, room 115). Applications need to completed and turned in no later than 11:59 on November 26. If submitting the application in person, you must have it submitted by 5 p.m. Initial interviews will be scheduled November 27 - 29. The group interview will be Thursday, November 30.

  1. Complete the data form and submit essays online
  2. Provide a resume to First.Year@wichita.edu. We encourage you to visit the Shocker Career Accelerator for information on developing a resume if you need assistance. Include two references on your resume (name, contact information and relation to you). References may be your academic advisor, faculty member(s), community leaders or others. At least one must be someone from Wichita State. Family members will not be considered.

Selection Process

  1. All applications, references, and qualifications (GPA/full conduct review) will be reviewed by the Assistant Director of First-Year Programs and/or the Program Coordinator of Student Success.
  2. Shortly after you submit your application packet, selected applicants will be called to schedule a 20-minute individual interview between November 27 and 29.
  3. Those who are selected to participate in the group Interview will be contacted. Hold the morning of Thursday, November 30 in your calendar now so that if you advance, you are available to attend. The group interview is required for those wishing to move on through the selection process.
  4. All applicants will be notified of decisions by December 18.
Contact Us

Questions?

Contact First-Year Programs at (316) 978-5420 or first.year@wichita.edu.

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