THE PROGRAM
The Mentor Program sponsored by Macalester International Student Programs selects returning U.S. and international students to serve as mentors to incoming international students and domestic Ametrica participants. Students will meet their mentors during pre-orientation and will consult with them regularly throughout the semester. Mentors provide a student’s perspective on both academic and personal life at Macalester. Their job is to help international students feel comfortable at Macalester and answer their questions about policies and procedures related to life in the residence halls, campus facilities, registration and academic procedures, as well as questions about U.S. culture and off-campus opportunities in the Twin Cities Metro community.
FALL 2023 MENTORS & PALS
Where have the ISP mentors been all summer? Check out the 2022 Where in the World Video to find out!
APPLY TO BE A MENTOR
Note: Information about the mentor dean application will be sent to returning mentors directly.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR ROLE AS A MENTOR
As a mentor, you will each be directly responsible for approximately five students as well as aiding fellow mentors with their mentees in the Fall 2023. As students themselves, mentors can answer questions and give suggestions about life, culture and academics on and off campus. Mentors work closely with ISP staff to organize informational, cultural and educational discussions of interest for new students. Other expectations include acting as an information giver, tour guide, encourager, educator and learner.
The hours a mentor works per week vary depending on if whether you are involved with Ametrica facilitation. You can expect to work at least 5-9 hours a week between meeting every mentee in person, journaling, meeting Aaron, Luyen, Molly, or Britt and attending planning meetings. Some weeks may require more hours due to ISP or Ametrica events.
As a mentor you will be required to arrive by August 21, 2023, to begin mentor training on August 22. Plan on being at Mac and available to work until school begins. Mentors will work until late October/early November. Because of this, you may need to find another on-campus job that does not interfere with mentoring. Remember that international students may not exceed 20 hours per week of employment, combining all of your jobs.
UNDERSTANDING THE MENTOR APPLICATION STEPS
Below are the various mentor application steps. Each year, ISP receives many more applications than mentor positions available. We are very strict about deadlines so please note them. This is because we believe that applicants demonstrate responsibility by meeting deadlines, and because we receive far more applications each year than positions available. Decisions on choosing mentors will be made by the ISP Mentor Selection Committee. If you are not certain about an issue and if it could affect your eligibility, please check with Aaron, Luyen, Britt, or Molly. Note, mentor deans (those who have mentored in the past) go through a different process than new mentors, please contact ISP for 2022 mentor dean positions.
To apply to be a new mentor, you must complete the following steps to be considered by the Selection Committee. We hope to notify accepted mentors of our decision around March 1, 2023.
STEP I – INTEREST FORM
The interest form is the beginning of the application process to be a Fall 2023 ISP mentor. You MUST complete the Step I Interest Form to be eligible to receive the full written application, which is Step II of the application process. The Step II Application will only be sent to applicants who have completed Step I.
The interest form is due by 11:59 pm (CST) on Sunday, December 18, 2022. No late interest forms will be accepted after the deadline.
STEP II – APPLICATION + SUBMIT A RESUME
Online application is due by 11:59 pm (CST) on Monday, January 16, 2023. No late applications will be accepted after the deadline.
Additionally, email your resume to [email protected] by the same deadline, 11:59 pm (CST) on Monday, January 16, 2023. No late resumes will be accepted after the deadline.
Tip: We take note of which applicants complete this step early.
STEP III – MENTOR SIMULATION
This is a simulation of being a mentor that gives you the experience of what to expect, and gives ISP a better understanding of your ability to be responsible and follow through. The simulation will run from February 6 – 25, 2023. You will need to attend the training session scheduled for 4:45-5:45 pm on Mon, Jan 30, 2023 or noon-1:00 pm on Tue, Jan 31.
Depending on numbers, participation in the Mentor Simulation (Step III) may be limited to the best applications.
STEP IV – ADDITIONAL CRITERIA
The Selection Committee will review applications according to what degree applicants meet all application criteria. Aside from Steps I-III, additional criteria may be included; such as (the following is subject to change):
- Obtain a U.S. permit/driver’s license and Macalester van certification (very important)
- All van drivers must be a minimum age of 19, have a valid U.S. driver’s license, and complete the following: driving record check, classroom and video training, and a successful behind-the-wheel driving check. Email Facilities Services at [email protected] with questions.
- Complete Bystander Intervention training
- Complete a CPR training course
- Complete a QPR training course
- ISP advisory committee helping other offices, such as Health and Wellness Center
Email any additional application criteria to [email protected] with proof (picture of your permit etc.) by 11:59 pm (CST) on Sunday, February 26, 2023.
MENTOR APPLICATIONS FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the mentor application process. (G-Doc)