2026-2027 1st UP Ambassador Peer Mentor Applications

APPLY TO BE A 1st UP AMBASSADOR PEER MENTOR!

Position Description
Ambassador Peer Mentors working with First-Generation Students:

• Starts work in fall and continues through the spring semester providing small group mentoring with assigned first-generation students
• Works as a part of the 1st UP Program supporting first-generation student transition and success at UofL
• Once a week in fall and spring semesters these Ambassadors will either host a small group mentoring discussion or attend a 1^st UP lunchtime meetup/success workshop conducted by the Student Success Center (SSC).
• These meetings occur from 12:00-12:50 on Wednesdays & Thursdays. Ambassadors will only need to be available for one of these days.

*Ambassadors working with first-generation students are not required to be first-gen, but preference will be given to first-gen & former/current 1st UP participants.

*The University of Louisville defines a first-generation student as a student who has not had any parent/guardian graduate with a bachelor’s degree. 
*Students whose parents received a degree outside of the United States of America may also be considered as first-generation. 

Ambassadors serve as a peer mentor and work from the Student Success Center in the Belknap Academic Building. The program helps first-year students negotiate college transitions, form campus connections and facilitate student success by guiding, supporting and advising them throughout their first year in college. 

Commitment and Responsibility

In the role as the first-generation Ambassador Peer Mentors:

• Attending the 1^st UP lunchtime meetups/ workshops hosted by the SSC or hold a small group discussions/meeting with their mentees. These activities will happen over a span of 12 weeks from 12:00-12:50 on Wednesdays & Thursdays.
• Supporting the 1^st UP meetups may include helping with set-up/clean-up, offering your perspective during discussions, tracking mentee attendance, and other duties as needed.
• Holding small group discussions that include taking attendance, facilitating discussion and community-building using program support resources, and following up with mentees.
• Completing weekly administrative duties accurately and on time.
• Attending ongoing Ambassador meetings and scheduled trainings.
• Assisting and participating in SSC events and other student success programming.
• Checking UofL email regularly to provide a timely response to mentee emails and stay up to date on program news.
• Reaching out regularly to mentees through email and correspond with their mentees as needed.
  • Mentoring outreach takes place in-person, via email, text and may include social media and GroupMe.
• Working an average of 2-3 weekly mentoring hours and 2 hours in the helping with weekly activities (either the lunchtime meetup or the small group mentoring meeting).
• Participating in up to 15 hours some weeks due to training, Welcome Week activities or in-person mentee meetings.

Qualifications

• Recommended to be a full-time undergraduate student for the fall and spring semesters
• Attained sophomore standing (30+ hours) prior to the start of the position
• Minimum cumulative or semester GPA of 2.75
• Ability to schedule your courses around your assigned Ambassador responsibilities
  • This includes being available for August training and free from 12:00-12:50 on Wednesdays or Thursdays
• Must be attending classes on campus in fall 2026 and spring 2027 
• Strong oral communication skills

Expectations

• Genuine interest in helping new students adjust to all facets of university life
• Responsible, consistent, flexible and enthusiastic
• Demonstrate maturity of judgment, tact and a high standard of integrity
• Be timely with turning in materials and have effective communication skills
• Ambassadors make a commitment to fulfill all position responsibilities including: training, mentoring hours, 1st UP responsibilities, staff meetings, administrative work and programming
• Ambassadors are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and be aware that they are representatives of the Student Success Center and the University of Louisville

Benefits

• Leadership skills                      
• Mentoring experience
• Networking opportunities
• Professional development
• Campus knowledge and connections
• Organizational & communication skills
• Undergraduate Teaching Assistant experience
• Experience facilitating learning, community-building and mentoring

Added Bonus

• Family dynamic and opportunity to make friends among the Ambassador staff
• Priority registration to help Ambassadors schedule around program commitments
• $15/hour including all training, mentoring and event support hours
• 10 Essential Skills Training

Important Calendar Dates

• Ambassador New Hire Welcome Meeting: April (Will be announced)
• Early Campus Move-in: August 11th
• Orientation Course and Peer Mentor Training: August 12th - 13th
• Welcome Week Events: TBD
• Fall Office Hours Begin: August 17th

Application Timeline

• Apply to be a Ambassador Peer Mentor between February 2nd - March 13th
• Applicants notified if they received an invitation to interview by March 16th
• Interview sign-ups begin: March 16th
• Interviews begin: March 17th
• Applicants notified whether they have been selected: April 10th
• Applicants attend a New Hire Welcome meeting: End of April, date TBD