Position Details

Position Information

Job Title
First-Generation Mentor 2025-2026

Department
Shepard Academic Resource Center

Terms and Hours
Approx. 5-8 hours per week

Job Category
Student Employment

Hourly Wage
Portland Metro Minimum Wage ($15.95/hour)

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Program Manager of First Generation in the Shepard Academic Resource Center (SARC) and guidance from the FGEN Mentorship Coordinator, the First-Generation (FGEN) Mentor is a yearlong position responsible for providing peer mentorship and support to first-year first-generation students at the University of Portland. Mentors will guide new students through their transition to college, helping them navigate academic, social, and personal challenges by offering advice, sharing experiences, and providing resources that promote student success and engagement.

Mentors will serve as role models and be an integral part of the FGEN community, fostering a sense of belonging and empowering first-generation students to thrive at UP. This position requires a commitment to regular meetings with mentees, participation in FGEN events, and a dedication to supporting the mission of the FGEN program.

This position spans April 2025 - April 2026. Compensation for this role is $15.95/hour until July 2025, after which it will mirror the Portland Metro minimum wage.

Application checklist:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Supplemental question (please keep responses to about 300 words per question block)

Core Duties

Job duties are subject to change based on programmatic needs.

• Provide one-on-one support to 3-5 first-year first-generation (FGEN) students in regularly scheduled meetings by unpacking their academic, social, and personal experiences, and sharing your experiences as a first-generation student to offer advice on navigating college life and balancing responsibilities.
• Attend and fully engage in at least 5 FGEN events throughout each semester. Mentors are expected to interact with their mentees and other non-staff community members, encouraging participation and connection creation.
• Collaborate and participate in required meetings for the role.
  • Attend weekly Mentor Team meetings to share progress, discuss challenges, and provide updates on mentee support.
  • Host biweekly meetings with each assigned mentee.
  • Attend the All FGEN Staff Meetings throughout the semester.
• Provide general support for the FGEN mentorship program and perform other relevant duties as assigned by the Mentorship Coordinators and the Program Manager.
• Complete and maintain detailed notes for each mentee meeting to document key discussions, track progress, and identify areas requiring follow-up support.
• Maintain all administrative tasks assigned by the Program Manager and Mentorship Coordinator.

Minimum Qualifications

• Be a current first-generation, full-time student enrolled at the University of Portland.
• In good academic standing at the University (and maintain standing throughout the duration of the position).
• Must be entering their second year or higher of studies for the upcoming fall term.
• Ability to commit 5-8 hours per week to the role, with additional availability during training and major events.
• Availability to attend training and preparation week before the first week of Fall Semester from August 17th-22nd, 2025 (subject to change).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a commitment to supporting and empowering peers.
• Knowledge or interest in helping to create a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment for first-generation students.
• Ability to work independently but also to constructively receive supervisory direction and work collaboratively in a team-oriented setting.
• Commitment to creating a welcoming environment for first-generation students.

Preferred Qualifications

If you meet the preferred qualifications, please include details in your cover letter.

• Previous experience in mentoring, peer support, or involvement in student organizations.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to motivate and engage peers.
• Familiarity with campus resources, systems, and programs that support first-generation students.

Physical Requirements

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number
SE609-2023

Number of Vacancies
10-15

Estimated Start Date
04/01/2025

Open Date
01/27/2025

Close Date
02/28/2025