Peer Mentor

First Year Experience Peer Mentor About Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

At MCLA, we're here for all, and focused on each, of our students. Classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered to make their impressions on the world.

In addition to our 130-year commitment to public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence. MCLA has appeared on U.S. News & World Report's list of Top Ten Public Colleges for 10 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for 2025, after earning the No.

7 spot the prior three years. The College's focus on affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in additional 2025 U.S. News rankings:
No. 5 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 2 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings measure how well school's graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants. Learn more a.edu.

Be a student leader in supporting the successful transition of new students to MCLA. First‑Year Experience Peer Mentors help equip new students with the skills, connections, and habits that support academic and personal success.

Peer Mentors lead first‑year students through Orientation and Greylock L.E.A.D. Academy, a combined program focused on academic readiness, leadership development, campus resources, and goal setting. Peer Mentors also support an FSEM course by co‑presenting a weekly 20‑minute session with a Staff Mentor for eight weeks.

Students are encouraged to apply even if their Fall class schedule is not yet finalized. Additional Spring 2027 programming may be required. As official representatives of MCLA, Peer Mentors are held to high professional and behavioral expectations.

• Monday, February 2nd to Wednesday, February 11th
  • Attendance at one interview session is required

• May 12th to the 14th
• August 21st to the 27th

• Friday, August 28th to Tuesday, September 1st

• September 2026 to May 2027
• Fall FSEM course support for 8 weeks
• Individual programming throughout the year
• Possible Spring 2027 programming

• Attend all required trainings (May 12th to the 14th and August 21st to the 27th)
• Lead first‑year and transfer students through Orientation and LEAD Academy (August 28th to September 1st)
• Facilitate pre‑built workshops on topics such as leadership, belonging, engagement, communication, and decision‑making
• Support conversations about academic resources (advising, registration, Canvas, degree audit)
• Lead icebreakers, team‑building activities, and daily student meetings
• Assist with clerical and administrative tasks
• Serve as a liaison between new students, families, and campus offices
• Provide campus tours
• Collaborate with Faculty Success Coaches, Staff Mentors, and fellow Peer Mentors
• Complete additional duties as assigned

• Co‑present a 20‑minute weekly session with a Staff Mentor for 8 weeks (September 8th to October 27th)
• Coordinate with FSEM instructors and Staff Mentors
• Attend required programs and workshops
• Meet with students outside of class as needed
• Participate in additional Spring 2027 programming as required

• Availability for all required training and program dates
• Availability for at least one FSEM course time block (pending class schedules)
• Minimum 2.0 GPA and good academic standing
• Good disciplinary standing with the College
• Completion of at least one semester at MCLA
• Peer Mentor position must be the sole campus employment during training and Orientation (additional employment permitted after September 8 if schedules allow)
• Maintain professionalism, punctuality, and reliability throughout employment

A First‑Year Experience Peer Mentor must possess a variety of…