Student Peer Mentor - College Programs

First-Year Seminar Peer Mentor

Job Description | Fall 2026

Overview

The First-Year Seminar Peer Mentor program is an academic leadership opportunity for upperclass students to serve as a mentor to our newest students in a first-year seminar classroom (TIDES and Honors Colloquium). Peer Mentors play a crucial role in the transition of first-year students to the academic and social communities of Tulane University. Additionally, Peer Mentors model a collaborative and inclusive environment and lay a foundation for success in the first year. More about the First-Year Seminar program can be found at firstyear.tulane.edu/seminar.

Responsibilities & Expectations

Peer Mentors are responsible for delivering important curricular themes, known as anchors. These are noted below, along with the requirements for each.

Introducing Students to the Campus Culture and Academic Community

Peer Mentors introduce students to Tulane’s community to help them thrive both academically and socially. Expectations include:

• Showing up to class and campus spaces with maturity and transparency.

• Demonstrating a willingness to show up as your authentic self and uplift other students.
• Planning at least one out-of-class event during the semester, linking to already existing campus events or scheduling a new experience.

• Relaying important and/or interesting campus events in class every week along with the weekly bulletin of information.

• Building class cohesion.

• Attending all classes and field trips as able, and supporting faculty on field trip logistics.

Relaying Campus Resources

Peer Mentors are connectors, introducing and referring students to the academic resources and campus support they need to succeed. Expectations include:

• Meeting one-on-one with each student twice during the semester to learn about their transition process and what might be helpful resources.

• Relaying information about campus resources and opportunities to students in every class.

Training & Meetings

Peer Mentors are trained and mentored through their role to ensure they are successful. Expectations include:

• Completing all Mentor Institute requirements (including QPR or alternative).

• Attending training in August to learn about, and be trained on, the position. 

• Attending two check-in meetings with First-Year Experience staff.

• Meeting initially with your course faculty to set expectations then again as needed to ensure you continue dialogue throughout the semester.

• Submitting all check-in reports to ensure staff are alerted to any course or student issues.

• If you miss more than 2 of your TIDES class, please inform the program manager (Joanitah Nakiggwe jnakiggwe@tulane.edu) and your professor. You will also need to provide a Dr’s note/excuse to the program manager and your professor.