Job Description

Title: Redbird Educator Scholars Program- Peer Mentor
Employee Classification: Student Help Regular
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: Dean of Education

Job Summary

The Redbird Educator Scholars Program (RESP) mentors provide support and guidance to first-year teacher education majors in the program. Mentors meet with RESP freshmen at networking events designed to build community, offer support, and promote program persistence. In addition, mentors serve as a point of contact when students have concerns or need assistance, and they check in with their mentees during Connection Café sessions to help support their transition to college life.

RESP Mentors are responsible for guiding, assisting, and welcoming our first-year students to Illinois State University during different activities and programs, open discussions, and other student activities throughout the semester. RESP Mentors will be required to attend training sessions, orientation programs, and host one-on-one meetings.

- Provide resource assistance for freshmen students
- Coordinate ways to engage with students in a group setting
- Guide and participate group discussions
- Communicate with graduate assistants
- Attend connection cafes on Wednesday nights (5pm-8pm) to support the activities for RESP members

Additional Information

Student employees are eligible to participate in the University’s 403(b) Plan.  More information can be found here.

Pay Rate

$17/hour

Preferred Qualifications

1) Teacher education major
2) Sophomore or above
3) Have a willingness to learn
4) Be able to speak to students and be knowledgeable about Illinois State University
5) Be willing to act as a role model and mentor

Work Hours

Approximately 10 to 20 hours per month on average; Both daytime and evening hours with occasional weekend hours may be required.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
-Effectively communicate on a daily basis.

Proposed Starting Date

August 17, 2026

Required Applicant Documents

Resume & Work Availability

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

In addition, all appointments are contingent upon proof of eligibility for employment at Illinois State University to perform the required duties described above on your scheduled start date. The Immigration and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires all new employees to file an I-9 in person and no later than three days from the beginning of employment. This may be accomplished within the department or through Human Resources. A list of the types of documentation you will be expected to provide is available at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents. Failure to comply with this law will result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University, as your employer, is required by federal law to ensure proper tax withholding from wages and to ensure that the required reporting of employee wages, withholding, and employment taxes is accurate. For this reason, every employee must have a valid Social Security Number registered with the University at the time of employment and/or as soon after as possible, but no later than 45 days from the start date. Failure to comply with this law may result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University student employees are restricted to no more than 28 hours per week of on-campus employment for all positions held.

International students are restricted by their visa status to no more than 20 hours per week of on-campus employment when the university is in session but may work more when the university is not in session. International students should contact the Office of International Studies and Programs for guidance if they have questions concerning employment restrictions.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.