Dignitas Peer Mentor

Job Purpose/Description/Duties

• The Director of General Education invites sophomore through senior applicants to serve as Dignitas Mentor TAs (MTAs) during the academic year. Reporting to the Director of General Education and the representative Dignitas faculty member, Dignitas MTAs will facilitate class discussions, meet one-on-one with students, and support students by providing effective advisement and student service referrals. The most important role of an MTA is that they connect each of their students with the resources, services, activities, and classes that allow them to dive deeply into their learning at CSS. Other duties include coordinating class events and community service projects. MTAs may also help with giving academic feedback, and provide help choosing classes during the advisement/registration cycles. MTAs are responsible for helping connect each student with meaningful learning and engagement opportunities outside of the classroom.

• Dignitas provides the foundation for our students' entire college experience by introducing them to the key elements unique to a St. Scholastica education: dignity, diversity, the Catholic intellectual tradition, Catholic social teaching, and our Benedictine tradition and values. Faculty members customize each Dignitas section with a topic of their choice that is developed in the context of the key elements. The two-semester sequence places students with a consistent faculty member, peer mentor, and group of peers to encourage engagement in the college and development of a sense of community. Dignitas faculty are supported in their work with key elements on dignity, diversity, the Catholic intellectual tradition, Catholic social teaching, and the Benedictine tradition and values by Subject Matter Experts. Advising activities will be supported by Student Affairs staff and by an advising model that specifies a number of individualized meetings with each student per term, with the faculty member serving as a coach who assists students to make a successful transition to the College and connects them to resources as needed. Each section is also staffed by a mentor TA, a successful student who is available approximately five hours per week to help connect students with the College and assist the faculty member with a variety of logistical details.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a current CSS student

• Works approximately 5 hours a week throughout the academic year

• Maintains a good working relationship with the Dignitas instructor, which includes on-going communication about roles and responsibilities

• Assists Dignitas instructor as assigned

• May periodically present a topic or lead class activities or exercises

• Keeps up-to-date with course materials

• Knows about the work and services of CSS offices, student services, and other campus resources

• Manages position budget and uses funds to facilitate out of class activities for students, within the spirit of good stewardship of CSS funds

• Is available to students outside of class

• Attends required meetings and training sessions

• Attends all Dignitas common elements with your assigned class

• Attend the Saints Leadership Training sessions offered throughout the academic year

• Participate in the facilitation of the Dignitas course related elements during Welcome Week, including the student engagement coaching with Megan Perry-Spears during the first week of classes in the Fall."

Special Instructions to Applicants

• Students do not need to qualify for federal student employment to apply for this position.

Mentor TA Expectations

• Understand and respect interpersonal boundaries, including power dynamics of the student/ mentor relationships and roles

• Commit to serve all students equitably, and be willing and eager to learn about groups of students with a wide variety of experiences and perspectives

• Work well with people with diverse attitudes and backgrounds

• Demonstrate enthusiasm and support for CSS and the learning environment

• Demonstrate confidence and can succeed as a class leader

• Present yourself and dress in a professional manner that supports the learning environment

• Be friendly, understanding, approachable, courteous, tactful, and patient

• Uphold CSS policies and procedures

• Attend every class and be on-time

• Show self-discipline, good judgment, and control (emotional & social) in group facilitation as well in life outside of class

• Initiate connections and relationships with students

• Meet one-on-one with each Dignitas student multiple times throughout the year (approximately two times per semester, in addition to advising meetings)

• Must be a current CSS student

• Candidates should attach a cover letter and resume addressed to Kelly Mullan, Associate Director of General Education. The cover letter should address how your education and experiences at CSS meet the qualifications noted above.

• The Director of General Education and Dignitas Faculty members will act as the review committee. If chosen for an interview, a Dignitas Faculty member will contact you.