Transfer Student Mentor Selection

Apply to be a Transfer Student Mentor

General Information

Thank you for your interest in the TSM Position for the 2020 - 2021 Academic Year.  The Department of Residence Life is looking to hire three (3) students to serve as TSM to our transfer resident students in either Nassau Hall, Livingston Hall, or Erie Hall (location may change) while also completing traditional Resident Assistant responsibilities*.  A TSM is a Resident Assistant who lives in one of three residence halls with a significant population of transfer students. In addition to completing RA responsibilities, the TSM will create engagement opportunities specifically for transfer students to link them to their peers in the Geneseo community. The TSM will create meaningful experiences for students and will communicate important campus information and events to transfer students assimilating to the Geneseo campus culture. Each Transfer Student Mentor will create passive and active educational opportunities in their residence halls to engage transfer students

In order to be considered for the position, you must complete the TSM Application in its entirety and submit it by February 11, 2020.  All applicants will be required to submit a resume with their application.  References must complete the Reference Form  by March 1, 2020. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.  Each application received will be reviewed and evaluated by the TSM Selection Committee and members of the Residence Life Staff. TSM Applicants only need to complete the TSM Application.  Applicants may indicate interest in the RA Position via the TSM Application.

Values of a Transfer Student Mentor

Inclusive | Proud | Thoughtful | Creative | Connector

If you embody these values, the TSM position might be for you!  TSMs possess strong leadership skills, foster the development of relationships, promote well-being to students, and demonstrate a commitment to multicultural education in not only their residential community, but across the SUNY Geneseo campus.

Residence Life Educational Priority

The Department of Residence Life develops socially responsible citizens who build positive relationships as engaged learners.

Residence Life Learning Goals

1. Each student will become a socially responsible citizen. 
2. Each student will build positive relationships. 
3. Each student will aspire to be an engaged learner. 

Transfer Student Mentor Selection Timeline

• RA Application available: December 17
• RA Information Sessions: Dates, Times, and Locations TBA
  • Q & A with Professional Staff - January
  • ARD Panel & Info Sessions - January 22-28
• RA Information Tables: Dates, Times, and Locations TBA
• RA Application Due: February 11
• RA Group Process Workshop Series: February 17 - March 13
  • Candidates will attend a three-week workshop facilitated by a Residence Life professional.  During the workshops, candidates will be able to:
    • develop connections to the Residence Life staff and each other,  
    • demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively and problem solve, 
    • work through activities that will show their ability to work collaboratively,  
    • illustrate their decision-making skills, and  
    • express their creativity. 
• RA Interview Day: February 14
• RA Position Conditional Offers: March 16
• RA Position Conditional Acceptance Due: March 20
• RA Candidate Intentional Conversations with RAs: March 23 - April 21
  • Candidates will be required facilitate conversations with RAs
• RA Position Student Leader Learning & Development Workshop Series: March 23 - April 17*
  • Candidates must attend all three workshops (plus Capstone) in order to be fully considered for the RA position
  • Candidates may attend workshops in any order
  • Candidates will complete Session Prep prior to attending the workshop
  • Candidates will be sent a link to sign-up for their workshops when they receive conditional offers
  • All materials will be available to the candidates via email by March 22
• RA Kick-Off, Capstone, and Official Offers: April 24 (Time and Location, TBA)
• RA Position Acceptance Due: April 29
• RA Orientation Paperwork: April 30 at 3:30 p.m. CU 319 and 322/23

Program Goal

The goal of the Transfer Student Mentor (TSM) program is to provide Geneseo’s fall and spring transfer students with immediate campus connections in their residential communities.

A Transfer Student Mentor (TSM) is a Resident Assistant who lives in one of three residence halls with a significant population of transfer students. In addition to completing RA responsibilities (see RA Position Description), the TSM will create engagement opportunities specifically for transfer students to link them to their peers in the Geneseo community. The TSM will create meaningful experiences for students and will communicate important campus information and events to transfer students assimilating to the Geneseo campus culture. Each Transfer Student Mentor will create passive and active educational opportunities in their residence halls to engage transfer students. During fall and spring semesters, they will hold office hours in the Transfer Resource Center to supplement the YouBelong series offered by the Office of New Student Programs. The TSM will attend specific training sessions and participate in orientation events and presentations for transfer students, such as the Transfer Student Picnic. Although preferred, Transfer Student Mentors do not necessarily need to be transfer students themselves.

Community Building and Engagement

Prior to Arrival

Before they arrive to campus, transfer students will know someone they can connect with at Geneseo. The TSMs will send a letter of introduction, mini biography, and headshot photo to transfer students living in their village, welcoming them to SUNY Geneseo and highlighting some opening events during Weeks of Welcome. In addition, the TSMs will prepare bulletin boards displaying academic resources, student services resources, as well as a variety of outlets for involvement on campus.

Orientation

Upon their arrival, the TSMs will prepare and execute one presentation during New Student Orientation in the fall and spring semesters. This presentation will be coordinated in conjunction with the Office for New Student Programs and will focus on the impact of the Student Life (Campus Living) experience on the transfer student experience. During move-in weekends in the fall and spring, TSMs offer a warm welcome to the transfer students in their respective residence halls and villages.

Campus Life

Once classes commence, the TSMs will continue to serve as a resource, advocate, and connector for transfer students. Their educational initiatives will focus on integrating transfer student residents into the larger residential and college community. TSMs will send bi-weekly messages to their residents publicizing upcoming events in the halls, villages, and on campus of specific interest to them. They will advertise their availability on their room doors in case questions and concerns come up. They will also be prepared to identify indicators of concern and know how and where to refer residents, specifically acknowledging that transfer students’ most difficult transition will take place in the academic sphere. Transfer Student Mentors will communicate with their Area Coordinator about Residential Education plans, student needs, concerns, and other updates as they arise regarding their role. They will also serve as a liaison between Student Life and the Office of New Student Programs, and will attend two office hours a week in the Transfer Resource Center during the academic year. As the semester and year progress, a relationship between the TSMs and the transfer students will be forged that will enrich the lives of both. 

Training and Expectations

Training Overview

The TSMs will join transfer students at orientation in late August and January. The TSMs may be excused from a session of RA Training to be present for a specific part of New Student Orientation. TSMs will also attend a training session that will focus on the academic, emotional, and social challenges unique to the transfer student experience as they assimilate into the culture of a new college.

Expectations

• TSM will begin contact with incoming transfer students during the summer and winter breaks prior to the arrival of new transfer students via mailings and use of social media.
• TSMs will be aware of transfer students' class courses. TSMs will follow up with transfer students regarding registration (provide information about how to register).
• TSMs will be the point of contact for each village concerning transfer student concerns. TSMs will communicate any concerns with the Assistant Director of Student Life for Educational Initiatives.
• TSMs will organize social and educational programming within their halls and village with a focus on transfer student outreach. TSMs will post information about upcoming events weekly on social media (campus wide, hall, floor, etc.).
• TSMs will check in with fellow RAs in each building within their village regarding transfer students. They will also lead transfer student support groups in each village once a month.
• TSMs will collaborate with New Student Programs and Academic Advising engaging in YouBelong programming initiatives throughout the academic year. TSMs will also hold two office hours a week in the Transfer Student Resource Center.
• TSMs will check in with Campus Living TSM Coordinator once a month.
• TSMs will participate in assessing the impact of the TSM program on the lives of our transfer resident students at the conclusion of their service.

Qualifications

• Applicants must have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits
  • Applicants must report at least a 2.5 Fall 2019 GPA at the time of application 
  • Applicants must also receive at least a 2.5 GPA for the Spring 2020 semester
• Applicants must be in good conduct standing and not have current conduct sanctions
• Applicants must have completed one semester at SUNY Geneseo by the end of the Spring 2020 semester
• Applicants must have lived in on-campus at least one semester at any college or university by the end of the Spring 2020 semester
• Applicants must not hold a full-time position elsewhere, be a student teacher, or hold a full-time internship

Desired candidates will demonstrate:

• Leadership potential through past experiences and recommendations
• Commitment to personal growth
• Willingness to advocate for and be a source of support for other students
• Sensitivity and genuine concern for others that would compel one to form relationships with assigned residents
• Integrity in decision-making and maturity in actions
• Program event planning skills to meet established goals
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to evaluate and respond to high pressure situations
• Effective communication skills and patience when working with students and colleagues
• Knowledge of SUNY Geneseo and the Department of Student Life Campus Living policies and functions

Conditions of Employment

• Period of Employment:  August 10, 2020 - May 23, 2021  (dates may be adjusted)
• Enrollment Requirement:  RAs must be registered for a minimum of 12 credit hours and be considered a full-time student; must also register for the RA Class INTD 240
  • RAs may not register for more than 18 credits without permission from the Director of Residence Life
• Remuneration:  Room rent waiver, $200.00 meal plan allocation per semester, $300.00 stipend per semester
• Academic Standing:  RAs must maintain both a cumulative and semester GPA of 2.5
• Conduct:  Employment is contingent upon maintaining good conduct standing; conduct history is reviewed prior to hire
• Department Initiatives:  Attendance at RA Training, RA Selection, RA Class, Committee Meetings, and Residence Hall opening and closing is mandatory
• Student Teaching:  RAs are not permitted to student teach
• Employment:  RAs are not permitted to work more than 15 hours per week outside of their position with Residence Life

* TSM Applicants only need to complete the TSM Application.  Applicants may indicate interest in the RA Position via the TSM Application.