Apply to be a Transition Mentor

Applications for the 2026 TM Team open October 1.

» Nominate Someone to be a Transition Mentor

The Role of a Transition Mentor:

Transition Mentors (TMs) are student leaders who play an essential role in welcoming and supporting new Shockers. They work throughout the summer to help execute orientation programs and continue mentoring students throughout the fall semester. TMs serve as role models, guides, and positive representatives of WSU, helping to ensure that each new student has a smooth and successful transition into college life.

Transition Mentors will:

Model outstanding behavior and represent WSU with professionalism and enthusiasm.
Work collaboratively as a team to introduce students to WSU's resources, traditions, and community.
Engage with university staff, faculty, and fellow students to facilitate orientation programs.
Plan, promote, and attend events and activities designed to build community among first-year students.
Assist the Office of First-Year Programs with events such as Clash of the Colleges and the Shocker State Fair.
Act as a resource for new students, answering questions, providing referrals to campus services, and encouraging involvement in campus life.
Demonstrate leadership, responsibility and inclusivity in all interactions with peers and campus partners.

Job Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Current undergraduate student and enrolled in at least 12 credit hours.
2.75 GPA or higher.
Have an interest in helping students transition to Shocker Nation.
Positive academic and conduct standing with the university.
Ability to work with all students.
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 2025)

Benefits

Benefits of Being a Transition Mentor Include:

Hourly Compensation for trainings, orientation programs, fall programs, etc.
Free Shocker Swag such as backpacks, shoes, shirts, and other exclusive TM gear.
Professional Development Opportunity: Expense-covered trip to a NODA regional conference in Kansas City, KS or Omaha, NE.
Leadership and Career Skills: Strengthen communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that stand out on your resume.
Networking: Build connections with faculty, staff, administrators, and peers across campus.
Community Impact: Play a direct role in helping new students feel welcomed, supported, and engaged at WSU.
Personal Growth: Gain confidence, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment by making a difference in students' lives.
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 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. - 5 p.m.) for the summer program days. You will be notified if, or when, adjustments are made to the schedule.

Spring 2026 Programs
Date	Program
January 10 12:00-5:00pm	Welcome Retreat Attendance is mandatory.
January 16	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.
Feb. 20-22	National Orientation Director's Association (NODA) Regional Conference in Kansas City, KS or Omaha. NE. Transportation, lodging, and most meals will be provided by Student Success. Attendance is mandatory.
May 21-22	TM Overnight Retreat. Attendance is mandatory.

Summer 2026
Date	Program
June 4th June 12th June 15th June 26th July 20th July 28th August 3rd August 13th	Freshman and Guest Orientation Reserve 7am-5pm for these programs.
June 20th July 18th August 8th August 11th	New Shocker Orientation Reserve 7am-3pm for these programs.

Fall 2026 Programs
Date	Program
WEEKLY during fall semester: - Weekly email communication - Monthly Mentor Meet-Ups	We will talk about the fall mentoring program in training. Weekly emails are required.
August 14-16 Various	SHOCKFEST Attendance is mandatory.
August 21 10am-12p.m. and 4-10 p.m.	Clash of the Colleges Attendance is mandatory - the only exception is if you have a class during these times.
September TBD 8:30am - 2pm	First-Year Social Attendance is mandatory - the only exception is if you have a class during these times.
September 25 ALL DAY	Shocker State Fair Attendance is mandatory - the only exception is if you have 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 (Shocker Success Center, room 218). 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 October 31.

Individual interviews will be scheduled throughout the month of November.

The group interview will be Saturday, November 15.

Selection Process

Application: All applications, references, and qualifications (GPA/full conduct review) will be reviewed by the Student Program Coordinator of First-Year Programs.
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.
Group Interview: Those who are selected to participate in the group interview will be contacted. Hold the morning of Saturday, November 15 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.
All applicants will be notified of decisions by December 1.
Selected participants are invited to a TM Mix and Mingle on Saturday, December 6.