Study Mentor

Work Study BEST Mentor

The Lewis and Gaines Center for Inclusion and Equity (LGCIE) is an administrative department dedicated to providing services and programs that contribute to the success of intercultural students at Bridgewater State University. Through specialized programming, support, social, and cultural events, the department supports all BSU students in achieving their academic goals and enriching their cultural and social belonging experiences. Peer mentors play a crucial role in advancing student success, belonging, and persistence that is aligned with the BSU strategic plan and equity goals.

LGCIE is seeking peer mentors for the BSU Empowering Students Transition (B.E.S.T.) program to support intercultural students in their transition to BSU. Students who have participated in LGCIE's services or events and are passionate about working in a diverse environment that supports student success, cultural awareness, equity, and a sense of belonging are encouraged to apply to join our team!

B.E.S.T. Mentors support first-year intercultural students in successfully transitioning from high school to college. They collaborate with the program director and the Graduate Assistant to achieve the program's goals. The mentors build meaningful, supportive relationships with mentees, serve as role models for academic success and campus engagement, and promote the use of campus resources. They support students in using the student portals, developing help-seeking behaviors, and a sense of belonging  be effective in this role, B.E.S.T. Mentors must have a broad understanding of BSU's student services and programs.

Ideal candidates are strong communicators who are patient, welcoming, approachable, open-minded, and committed to working with students from diverse backgrounds. This role requires a mix of physical and interpersonal tasks, including sitting, standing, lifting items up to 15 pounds, and engaging with various professional staff.

Mentors are expected to always maintain a high level of professionalism. This includes being punctual, wearing appropriate attire and identification (such as shirts and nametags), collaborating effectively with fellow mentors, the GA, and LGCIE staff, fulfilling all responsibilities, and interacting positively with students and families. Mentors must treat this as a priority position and promptly communicate any scheduling conflicts with their supervisor.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Attend one-day training on August 28, 2026, and half-day Mentee orientation on August 30, 2026.
• Meet with assigned mentees weekly during the fall semester.
• Communicate with mentees regularly to assess their adjustment to BSU and answer their questions.
• Inform mentees of the various BSU resources and common university terminologies.
• Guide mentees in the use of the different student platforms such as Blackboard, MyBSU, and EngageBSU.
• Provide information on different academic and administrative deadlines, such as Drop/Add, spring registration, and submitting health documents.
• Attend weekly mentor meetings.
• Attend bi-weekly student staff meetings.
• Attend supervisory meetings with the directors of the graduate assistant.
• Prepare and submit weekly reports on their assigned mentees.
• Promptly report students who are experiencing difficulties to the directors or the graduate assistant.
• Assist in developing and leading workshop activities for mentees.
• Co-plan and co-lead social events focused on belonging that serve to connect mentees and other students.
• Connect mentees to LGCIE's staff, services, and resources.
• Accompany mentees to campus events and student organization meetings to help them find community.
• Perform office assistant duties when needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Time Commitment: 6 hours per week. Must be available for all of the following dates & times:

• Attend the full-day B.E.S.T. Mentor training on August 28, 2026.
• Attend and assist with the B.E.S.T. Orientation on the afternoon of August 30, 2026.
• Attend weekly team meetings during the semester.
• Attend biweekly LGCIE student workers' meeting.

Eligibility requirements:

• Must be a Bridgewater State University undergraduate student registered for a…