The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Peer Assistance for Leadership and Student Success Peer Mentor Program, known as CALS PALS, will help you develop advanced skills in building rapport and individual coaching. CALS PALS peer mentors receive semester-long training about leadership, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking skills, and relationship-building skills to help and support peers in having a successful experience at the university. CALS PALS receive ongoing professional development during weekly meetings to learn how to effectively support, inform, and guide their student mentees with the goal of better preparing them to be academically and developmentally successful. CALS PALS peer mentors work closely with CALS Academic Advisors and staff who facilitate the CALS 195C course. The mentorship program provides basic counseling skills and a focus on professional development and leadership skills. After completing the role as a peer mentor, a UA student engagement competency will be posted on their transcript.
This leadership for-credit program promotes college-level engagement by introducing incoming and continuing students to institutional and student support services, as well as other available opportunities. CALS PALS mentors assist with increasing retention by alleviating initial isolation, increasing student involvement and interaction, and providing their mentees with additional encouragement and inspiration. CALS PALS peer mentors are required to submit assignments on the following: personal and developmental learning goals; monthly reports; progress reports on student interactions; a reaction paper to an article about mentorship; a reflection paper on their experience; and a time record log.
CALS PALS Peer Mentor Responsibilities
- Mentor approximately 10-20 students in the fall semester.
- Support and attend the CALS 195C/A success course class time every week throughout the fall 2023 semester.
- Meet with the assigned CALS 195C/A facilitator per an agreement between the mentor and facilitator.
- Schedule at minimum 4 office hours to be accessible to student mentees every week throughout the fall 2023 semester.
- Assist with social events hosted by CALS PALS for students.
- Enhance your skills with a growth mindset and coaching from the program director, program coordinator, and facilitators.
- Attend the mandatory, in-person, CALS PALS Peer Mentor Onboarding - Session 1, on April 29th, 2023 (9 am - 4 pm).
- Attend the mandatory, in-person, CALS PALS Peer Mentor Onboarding - Session 2, on August 19th, 2023 (9 am - 4 pm).
- Attend the mandatory, in-person, Fall 2023 weekly professional development meetings (CALS 393/493) on Tuesdays 8 am - 9 am.
Benefits of being a CALS PALS Peer Mentor
- Earn two to three units of upper-division credit in CALS 393 or 493
- Earn a stipend at the end of the semester
- Complete a UA student engagement competency and activity
- Work closely with course facilitators and academic advisors in CALS
- Learn basic counseling skills
- Enhance your own personal and professional development skills
- Assist other students with academic and learning strategies
- Develop professional and meaningful relationships with student mentees
- Enhance your leadership skills with professional development opportunities
Minimum Qualifications
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Currently enrolled as a University of Arizona student and will continue enrollment during participation in the program
- Completed at least one full year of academic courses at the University of Arizona (sophomore status or higher)
- Excellent communication skills or willingness to develop skill
- Ability to relate to students from diverse backgrounds
- Basic knowledge of University of Arizona campus resources
- Commitment to student success and confidentiality
Application Requirements
New mentor applicant (Has not been a CALS PALS Peer Mentor in previous semesters):
- Submit a complete online application with all materials requested.
- A cover letter in PDF format that addresses the following questions:
- What does being a peer mentor mean to you, and why are you interested in being a CALS PALS peer mentor?
- What campus resources have you used and would encourage others to use?
- Why are you uniquely qualified to serve as a leader and role model to students?
- What are the benefits and importance of diversity on a college campus?
- Share relevant work or leadership experience.
- A resume that lists work experiences, as well as academic and campus involvement.
- One reference, preferably an instructor, academic advisor, or mentor that can talk about your character. Include the person's full name and contact information.
Have your materials prepared by the time you start the application as you will not be able to save and return to the application later. Selected candidates will be notified of their status via email.
Returning mentor applicant (Has prior experience as a CALS PALS Peer Mentor):
- Submit a complete online application with all materials requested.
- A cover letter in PDF format that addresses the following questions:
- What are you looking for in your next opportunity with CALS PALS?
- What campus resources have you used and would encourage others to use?
- How have you balanced your responsibilities as a student and mentor? How can you improve?
- Why are you uniquely qualified to serve as a leader and role model to students?
- What are the benefits and importance of diversity on a college campus?
- A resume that lists work experiences, CALS PALS peer mentorship experience, and additional academic and campus involvement.
Have all of your application information and materials ready by the time you apply as you will not be allowed to save and return to the application later. Selected candidates will be notified of their status via e-mail.
Apply to become a CALS PALS Peer Mentor!
The Fall 2023 application is open - apply here. The priority deadline is April 7, 2023, by 11:59 pm.
To request additional information or to ask questions about the CALS PALS peer mentor leadership program, e-mail Arianna Buchanan at ab834@arizona.edu
Program Coordinator: Arianna Buchanan, Academic Advisor I, at 520-621-3616 or in Forbes room 203
Program Director: Nancy Rodriguez-Lorta, Senior Director of Academic Advising and Student Services, at 520-621-3616 or in Forbes room 203