Apply to be a Transfer Student Peer Mentor
The Transfer Student Peer Mentor Program provides incoming J.D. transfer students with an upperclass mentor during the summer and the fall of their first semester at the Law Center. Partnering with the J.D. Academic Services Office, the primary goals of the program are to support transfer students as they make the transition to Georgetown Law, to help them navigate and make the most of the many opportunities available at the Law Center, and to foster community and camaraderie among the transfer students and throughout the Law Center. Peer Mentors are typically third or fourth year J.D. students who have transferred to Georgetown Law in a previous year.
Responsibilities
Transfer Student Peer Mentors are expected to:
- Contact incoming transfer students in the summer before they arrive to welcome them to the Law Center and answer questions (and allay concerns) they may have about Georgetown Law and Washington, D.C.
- Participate in a Peer Mentor training session on Wednesday, August 21, 2013, either in person or via conference call.
- Attend the Transfer Student Orientation session on Monday, August 26, 2013. Participation in other orientation activities offered that week, such as campus tours, service projects, informal social events and advice sessions may be required.
- Refer incoming transfer students to appropriate counseling or administrative resources if they are having academic or personal difficulties (resource guides will be provided to Peer Mentors).
- Communicate regularly with assigned transfer students including sending periodic emails and being available throughout the summer and the fall semester to answer questions on such issues as summer job searches, course selection, and student organizations.
- Attend regular check-in meetings with J.D. Academic Services in the fall semester.
Time Commitment
June-July: 1-2 hours per week on average mentoring incoming transfer students via e-mail and/or telephone.
August Orientation: (1) A 1-2 hour training session on Wednesday, August 21, 2013; (2) Approximately 4-6 hours, including (a) attending the Transfer Student Orientation session on Monday, August 26, 2013, and (b) participating in activities such as campus tours, service projects, informal social events, and advice sessions.
Fall Semester: 1-2 hours per week on average mentoring incoming transfer students. The demands may be heavier in the summer and beginning of the fall semester as well as leading up to exams.
Stipend
Transfer Student Peer Mentors will receive a modest stipend. The stipend is to recognize the significant contributions Peer Mentors will make to the Law Center during their service, but is not intended to be hourly compensation. We are looking for candidates who are seeking this position because they have a commitment to mentoring students, fostering community, and giving back to the Law Center.
Qualifications
Required:
- Upperclass student entering the 3L, 3E, or 4E year in 2013-2014.
- Maturity, good judgment, and willingness to listen.
- Thoughtfulness about the challenges and opportunities transfer students face.
- A commitment to building community at the Law Center.
- Ability to carry out all Peer Mentor responsibilities (described above), especially keeping in touch with and being available to mentees.
Preferred:
- Background in peer advising, residence or student life (in college or otherwise), teaching and/or counseling.
- High level of engagement in the life of the Law Center.
Questions?
If you have questions about the Transfer Student Peer Mentor role or application, please contact Gilda Mossadegh, Director, J.D. Programs, at gm721@law.georgetown.edu.
