Transition Mentor Information

» Nominate Someone to be a Transition Mentor

 

Transition Mentors (TMs) work throughout the summer helping execute orientation programs and will mentor new students throughout the fall semester. Individuals selected as TMs serve as mentors and role models and are responsible for making new students' transition during their first semester successful.

Transition Mentors will:

  • Model outstanding behavior and be excellent representatives of WSU.
  • Work as part of a team to introduce students to WSU.
  • Interact with university staff and faculty to help faciliate orientation programs. 
  • Mentor new students throughout their first semester at WSU through one-on-one and group mentoring, planning and attending events and other activities.
  • Assist with First-Year Program events such as CLASH and Academic Convocation.

Applications for the 2025 Transition Mentor staff
will open October 1.

Job Qualifications

Required Qualifications                 

  • Current undergraduate student and enrolled in at least 12 credit hours.
  • Completion of at least 12 credit hours at Wichita State University.
  • Have an interest in helping students transition to Shocker Nation.
  • Positive academic and conduct standing with the university.
  • Ability to work with a diverse group of people.
  • Ability to provide guidance, support and motivation for others in an ethical and professional manner.
  • Ability to attend and successfully complete all training and commitments outlined in the next section.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Sophomore through senior standing (in fall semester of 2023)
  • 2.75 GPA or higher
Benefits

Benefits of Being a Transition Mentor Include:

  • Hourly Compensation for trainings, orientation programs, fall programs, etc.
  • Opportunity to live on-campus during the summer. 
  • Free Shocker Swag. (backpack, shoes, shirts, etc.)
  • Expense-covered trip to Missouri for NODA regional conference.
  • Network and connect with faculty, staff, and administration from Wichita State.
  • Boost in confidence and motivation.
  • Improve communication and leadership skills.
  • Be the face of Wichita State.
  • And most importantly... FUN!
Time Commitment

Transition Mentor Commitments

Training:
Training is organized as a class during the spring semester. *Weekly training will be 3 - 5 p.m. on Friday afternoons. Training is required of all new and returning Transition Mentors. There will be a student leadership conference the weekend before Spring Break begins in March that is mandatory (transportation, lodging and most meals will be provided by Student Success). There will also be one mandatory overnight retreat planned in May. No exceptions to the training classes or additional leadership activities will be granted.

*If you know you will have a class conflict with training, please let us know upon application by sending an email to kaelyn.hannah@wichita.edu Don't let a class conflict during training stop you from applying. A class conflict is the ONLY training conflict that will be considered.

Orientation Programs:
Reserve all day (7 a.m. - 7 p.m.) for the summer program days. You will be notified if, or when, adjustments are made to the schedule.

Spring 2024 Programs
Date Program

January 8
9 a.m. - noon

Spring Retreat
Attendance is mandatory.
January 12

New Shocker Orientation
Returning TMs will staff the program, new TMs will shadow.
Attendance is mandatory.

January Weekly Training Training will be scheduled on Friday afternoons, from 3- 5 p.m.
Attendance is mandatory.
March 22 - 24 National Orientation Director's Association (NODA) Regional Conference in Missouri.
Transportation, lodging, and most meals will be provided by Student Success.
Attendance is mandatory.
May 16 - 17 TM Overnight Retreat.
Attendance is mandatory.

Summer 2024
Date Program

June 6
June 14
June 17
June 28
July 22
July 30
August 5
August 15
August 16

Freshman and Guest Orientation
Reserve all day for these programs.

June 22
July 9
July 13
July 16
August 10
August 13

New Shocker Orientation
Reserve all day for these programs.

Fall 2024 Programs
Date Program

WEEKLY during fall semester:
- Weekly email communication 
- Freshman Study Hall (TH, 5 - 7 p.m.)

We will talk about the fall mentoring program in training.

Weekly emails are required.

Participation in Freshman Study Hall (on Thursdays) is expected.

August 23
9 - 11:30 a.m. and 3 - 8 p.m.

CLASH of the Colleges
Attendance is mandatory - the only exception is if you have a class during these times.

August 27
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Syllabus Party
Attendance is mandatory - the only exception is if you have a class during these times.

September TBD
8:30 - 11 a.m.

Academic Convocation
Attendance is mandatory - the only exception is if you have a class during these times.

*Transition Mentors are expected to be available for all Orientation programs and scheduled training activities unless otherwise communicated with the First-Year Programs staff.

APPLY HERE!

Application Process

Complete the data form and submit essays HERE

Paper copies of the application are available in Student Success (Neff Hall, room 115). If submitting the application in person, you must have it submitted by 5 p.m.

Applications need to completed and turned in no later than 11:59 on November 26.

Initial interviews will be scheduled throughout the month of November.

The group interview will be Saturday, December 2. 


Selection Process

  1. Application: All applications, references, and qualifications (GPA/full conduct review) will be reviewed by the Assistant Director and/or the Program Coordinator of First-Year Programs.
  2. Individual Interview: After you submit your application packet, selected applicants will be emailed to schedule a 20-minute individual interview throughout the month of November.
  3. Group Interview: Those who are selected to participate in the group interview will be contacted. Hold the morning of Saturday, December 2 in your calendar now so that if you advance, you are available to attend. The group interview is required for those wishing to move on through the selection process.
  4. All applicants will be notified of decisions by December 8.
Contact Us

Questions?

Contact First-Year Programs at (316) 978-5420 or first.year@wichita.edu.

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