Peer Mentors and SLAs Wanted
PVCC’s Division of Student Services is looking for Peer Mentors and Student Learning Assistance (SLA) facilitators for next semester. Peer Mentors attend an assigned SDV 100 or SDV 101 class, where they model exemplary student behavior and help students transition into life at PVCC. SLA facilitators meet with students and help them with coursework from classes that the facilitators have already taken and passed with an A or B. These classes have high failure/dropout rates and include BIO 141, ECO 201 and 202, MTH 163 and 173, and SOC 200.
Accepted applicants will receive a semester stipend – $250 and $700 respectively – as well as a letter documenting their contributions to PVCC. Both programs provide PVCC students with opportunities for valuable work experience, particularly for students who aspire to become educators. All accepted applicants for either program must attend a training session prior to the start of the semester and attend all meetings of their assigned class.
“I love being an SLA facilitator for ECO 201. It is the most fun I have at school all week,” said Christian Adams, who enjoys helping her fellow students learn and master the difficult concepts of Macroeconomics. Her advice to students thinking about applying for the SLA program is, “Apply if you are interested in the subject and want to help other people learn . . . if you like a particular subject and can get excited about helping someone else learn you should absolutely become and SLA facilitator and think of the money as a bonus.”
“I was very pleasantly surprised at how easily if fit into my schedule,” said Peer Mentor and SGA Executive Senator Catherine Tatman. “Each Semester it became easier and easier.”
Interviews are required for finalists of both programs. Peer Mentors must also pass a background check and are encouraged to submit an unofficial transcript along with their application. Applications are due by Friday, March 20, and interested students should see Coordinator of Academic Support Services Todd Parks in his office in M617C for more information. Mr. Parks’ office is located within PVCC’s Writing Center.
