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New Mexico State University

Crimson Scholar Peer Advisor (CSPA) 2008 - 2009 Academic Year Job Description
New Mexico State University

Position Overview

The Crimson Scholar Peer Advisors are live-in upper-class student staff in NMSU's Living Learning Communities who provide a variety of services to residents in their respective communities and across campus. CSPAs contribute to overall student success by sharing their academic skills and knowledge through peer advising, mentoring, and programming.

CSPAs will work 12 hours a week during each semester, and are required to attend and complete all pre-service and in-service training and development programs, including certification through the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). CSPAs will receive a $625 stipend per semester to be paid out over the course of bi-weekly pay periods through Crimson Scholar Work-study funds. A paid tutoring option is also available.

General Expectations

  • The Peer Advisor position is a full academic year commitment.
  • Maintain Crimson Scholar eligibility, including an NMSU cumulative grade point average of 3.500 or better. Failure to maintain this CSPA cumulative grade point average will result in loss of your position.
  • Be available to residents in the community for consultation.
  • Be a role model for students by following all residence hall and university policies, and state/federal laws.
  • Work effectively, productively and independently.
  • Forego all other employment and internships unless approved in advance.
  • Participate in Crimson Scholar Residential Mentor selection processes as needed.
  • Participate in assessment projects and work to reach pre-established goals for resident participation.
  • Carry out additional duties and responsibilities as may be required.
  • Remain on campus a minimum of 1 weekend per month

Position-Related Job Expectations

General Responsibilities

  • Partner with Community Assistants and other Housing & Residential Life staff to work as an effective member of a team to create a learning supportive environment through educational and academic initiatives, bulletin boards, door decs, community development activities, and service-learning opportunities.
  • Serve as a liaison between students and the sponsoring college.
  • Help assess community needs and create and implement educational programs to address those needs.
  • Participate in admissions and recruitment related activities as needed
  • Attend Peer Advisor staff meetings, Faculty Advisor meetings, and other meetings and appointments as necessary.
  • Read and respond (as needed) to e-mail daily.
  • Nurture your own academic performance and progress – serve as a model of academic excellence.
  • Maintain a positive attitude.
  • Live in assigned room, at no cost.
  • CSRM/CSPA compensation and housing waivers may impact your financial aid. All candidates are encouraged to talk with their financial aid counselors to understand any impact upon your personal circumstances.

Peer Advising & Mentoring

  • Develop meaningful positive relationships with all residents and know each on a personal level through regular one-on-one contact, recognition, reinforcement, and similar forms of support that will be necessary throughout the academic year.
  • Motivate LLC students to succeed personally and academically at NMSU. Help students set realistic goals during the academic year.
  • Connect LLC students to the NMSU and residence hall communities by role modeling and encouraging attendance and participation at all community functions (e.g., Aggie Welcome Week, AggieFest, floor meetings, programming, Hall Council/SGCR, student groups, etc.).
  • Learn basic advising guidelines and information for majors and programs related to LLC and use of myNMSU/Banner Student portal to advise residents regarding course registration and related decisions throughout each semester.
  • Provide learning assistance services to residents through individual and group interactions and programming.

Living Learning Community Development

  • Promote and translate theme of community, and participate as an active partner and stakeholder.
  • Create and implement programs, activities, and initiatives involving faculty and staff related to the LLC.
  • Become familiar with relevant syllabi for student courses within area of interest and demonstrate awareness of upcoming tests, papers, and projects by developing appropriate programs and initiatives.
  • Be active within the College and/or areas of interest reflected in the LLC.
  • Encourage interest in academics through the use of public areas, bulletin boards, your door, newsletters, etc.
  • Use other Peer Advisors and campus resources to support and encourage resident attendance at events and speakers of interest to students in LLC, particularly those that are academic in nature.

 

To apply for a position as a CSRM or CSPA, click here.

For submitting a reference letter, please click here.