What is a Transition Mentor?
Transition Mentors (TMs) are current Wichita State University students who help new
Shockers and their families navigate the transition to college. TMs support students
from orientation through the first semester by answering questions, sharing their
WSU experience, and connecting students to academic resources, campus involvement,
and support services.
Transition Mentors play a key role in Orientation, Clash of the Colleges, and other First-Year Programs events by leading small groups, facilitating activities, and creating a welcoming, supportive environment where students can feel confident and connected. Through ongoing outreach and mentor meet-ups, TMs help new students find their place at Wichita State and build a strong foundation for success during their first semester of college. Transition Mentors are here to help you feel informed, supported, and at home at WSU from day one.
For students interested in becoming a Transition Mentor, the role offers hands-on leadership experience, professional development, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on incoming students.
Nominate a student to be a Transition Mentor!
Students nominated will receive an email inviting them to apply on October 1, 2026.
Training:
- Attend and actively participate in all Transition Mentor training sessions and retreats, as outlined below in the "Time Commitments" section.
Orientation:
- Assist with checking in approximately 170 students during each orientation program.
- Facilitate conversations about the transition to Wichita State University with new students and their families.
- Repond to fundamental questions about WSU and guide new students to key locations on campus.
- Provide support during our SHOCKFEST welcome weekend.
- Work with interns and professional staff to prepare orientation materials and manage inventory for smooth orientation operations.
Other Duties:
- Provide additional support to First-Year Program events such as Clash of the Colleges, Shocker State Fair and Mentor Meet-Ups.
- Serve as a positive role model, representing Wichita State University, The Office of Student Success: First-Year Programs, and the Transition Mentor team.
- Create a welcoming community for new students.
- Demonstrate flexibility, dependability, responsibility, and punctuality consistently.
- Occasionally lift and carry objects weighing under 50 lbs.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet the criteria outlined below to be considered for position and remain eligible throughout the duration of employment:
- Current undergraduate student, enrolled in at least 12 credit hours.
- Be in good academic standing with WSU, maintaining a minimum 2.5 GPA throughout employment.
- Be in good conduct standing with WSU at the time of application and throughout employment.
- Abide by State and University policies.
- Demonstrate willingness to grow personally and professionally.
- Ability to attend and successfully complete all training and commitments outlined below.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Sophomore through senior standing (in fall semester of 2026).
Transition Mentors will be compensated starting at $11.00/hr beginning in January
2027 after signing their contract and beginning Spring Training.
In addition to hourly wage, Transition Mentors can also expect the following benefits from this role:
- Staff uniforms (jersey, backpack, nametag, and shoes)
- Additional orientation swag and accessories.
- On-campus housing opportunity throughout the summer.
- Meals provided during summer Orientation sessions.
- Leadership and professional development opportunities through hands-on experience, training sessions, and networking with students, university staff, and other professionals.
- Be the face of WSU and share your love of Wichita State with all imcoming students and their families.
Skills You Will Gain:
- Leadership
- Teamwork/Collaboration
- Professionalism
- Time Management
- Problem-Solving
- Communication Skills
- WSU Knowledge
Training:
Training is organized as a class during the spring semester. Weekly training will be 3-5pm every Friday from January-May. Training is required of all new and returning Transition Mentors.
Spring classes cannot interfere with TM training.
Spring 2027:
| Date: | Program: |
| January 11 12:00-7:00pm |
Welcome Retreat Attendance is mandatory. |
| January 15 |
New Shocker Orientation |
| January Weekly Training | Training will be scheduled on Friday afternoons, from 3-5pm Attendance is mandatory. |
| April 9-10 |
TM Overnight Retreat |
| May 28 |
Orientation Retreat |
Summer 2027:
| Date: | Program: |
| June 3 | 7:00am-5:00pm | Freshman Orientation |
| June 11 | 7:00am-5:00pm | Freshman Orientation |
| June 14 | 7:00am-5:00pm | Freshman Orientation |
| June 19 | 7:30am-2:30pm | New Student Orientation |
| June 25 | 7:00am-5:00pm | Freshman Orientation |
| July 17 | 7:30am-2:30pm |
New Student Orientation |
| July 19 | 7:00am-5:00pm |
Freshman Orientation |
| July 27 | 7:00am-5:00pm |
Freshman Orientation |
| August 2 | 7:00am-5:00pm |
Freshman Orientation |
| August 7 | 7:30am-2:30pm |
New Student Orientation |
| August 10 | 7:30am-2:30pm |
New Student Orientation |
| August 12 | 7:00am-5:00pm |
Freshman Orientation |
| August 13-15 | Various Times | SHOCKFEST |
Fall 2027:
| Date: | Program: |
| August 27 | 13th Annual Clash of the Colleges |
| September 24 | 3rd Annual Shocker State Fair |
| Various | Mentor Meet-Ups |
*Transition Mentors are also expected to communicate regularly with their mentees throughout the fall semester via email and GroupMe.
Application Process:
Applications are currently closed and will open October 1, 2026.
Selection Process:
1. Application: All applications, references, and qualifications (GPA/full conduct review) will be reviewed by the Student Program Coordinator of First-Year Programs.
2. Individual Interview: After you submit your application, selected applicants will be emailed to schedule a 20 minute individual interview throughout October and November.
3. Group Interview: Those who are selected to participate in the group interview will be contacted. The group interview is required for those wishing to move on through the selection process.
4. All applicants will be notificed of decisions by December 3.
A Transition Mentor (TM) is a student leader who supports first-year students as they transition to college life. TMs help new students feel connected, confident, and supported by sharing resources, answering questions, and building relationships throughout the summer and fall semester.
No, you do not have to be nominated to apply. If you are interested, we encourage you to apply on your own!
Yes, but your ability to return is contingent on your performance throughout your initial term as a Transition Mentor.
Students selected for the Transition Mentor role may have the opportunity to take summer classes. However, it's important to balance this with the responsibilities of the role, including working all programs, trainings, retreats and events outlined in the time commitment section. We encourage applicants to discuss their interest in taking summer classes during the interview process and to consider online, asynchronous course to minimize conflicts.
In addition, you are expected to plan summer vacations and/or co-curricular activities around our summer break (June 27-July 17).
Students selected for the Transition Mentor role may hold an outside job during the duration of their employment. However, Transition Mentors are advised to comunicate with their supervisor as soon as possible and ensure activities do not conflict with position responsibilities.
No! Leadership can look like a lot of things - jobs, group projects, clubs, athletics, volunteering, or simply being someone others rely on. We’re more interested in your mindset and willingness to learn than a long résumé.
Yes! Free summer housing is available for Transition Mentors, but space is limited and not guaranteed. More details will be shared after selections are made.
Questions?
Contact Kaelyn Hannah at (316) 978-3453 or kaelyn.hannah@wichita.edu.