Midwestern State University 2020-2021 Residence Life and Housing

Midwestern State University 2020-2021
      Residence Life and Housing
Returning Peer Educator Selection Information

Application Deadline is 11:59:59PM February 20, 2020
If you have any questions please contact Residence Hall Director Richard
                  Keen at richard.keen@msutexas.edu

What is expected of a returning Peer Educator?

The returning Peer Educator is uniquely qualified to serve as a mentor to new members of the Peer Educator staff
because of their experience in the position. They influence the staff dynamic in their specific team and the staff as a
whole. The Residence Life and Housing Department expects the returning Peer Educators to embrace their role as
leaders on staff and allow the first-year staff to experience their position. The Peer Educator position is a challenging
one, both in the daily work responsibilities and the opportunities for individual growth and development. Returning Peer
Educators have perspective to both challenge and support their peers while allowing each individual on the staff team to
experience the position through their own lens.
In addition to the mentorship role of the returning Peer Educator position, returning Peer Educators are expected to fulfill
all requirements of the Peer Educator position as it pertains to their assigned role. For specific details on the Peer
Educator position, please see the position description.

The Residence Life & Housing Department encourages all qualified candidates to apply. The invitation to apply is
inclusive and not limited by ethnicity, age, gender, religious preference, sexual orientation, or physical ability.

         How are returning Peer Educators selected?
Returning Peer Educator candidates go through a selection process focusing on the potential of each candidate to
successfully educate residents and positively impact a staff team. This potential is brought to light through a variety of
tasks the candidates must complete. These include the application, resume, recommendation forms, and the returning
Peer Educator presentation.

The application process is designed to clearly highlight each applicant’s skill set and potential within the position. This
application information packet includes the Peer Educator position description, an outline and timeline of the selection
process, the 2020-2021 returning Peer Educator application, and the returning Peer Educator recommendation form.

Each applicant will be asked to obtain two recommendations. These recommendations need to be obtained from a
current supervisor and a current Peer Educator on your staff. You are responsible for asking your supervisor and Peer
Educator staff member to complete the recommendation form for you. The person completing the recommendation form
will be responsible for submitting it through Mustangs Link.

Each applicant will be asked to make a fifteen minute presentation. The presentation will be followed by ten minutes of
questions from the panel. The returning Peer Educator presentation is a vital part of the returning Peer Educator selection
process that allows our staff to reflect on their experience and growth as a Peer Educator. This also allows our
professional staff to meet each candidate and determine who will be the best fit for the position. This process ensures the
best possible candidates are selected by having applicants participate in a consistent and equal selection process.

Due to the nature of the returning Peer Educator selection process, a presentation must be scheduled
during the available time slots on March 2-6, 2020.

What needs to be in the presentation?
Returning Peer Educator candidates are asked to create an interactive 15-minute presentation that highlights their year(s)
as a Peer Educator. Minimally, the following must be included in the presentation:
     Goals for the Peer Educator position
            o Recognizing this was a pilot year for the Peer Educator program, what do you think should be done
                differently next year? How can you effect that change?
            o What would you like to do that you didn’t get the chance to do?
            o What do you want to do again?
     Personal Reflection
            o How have you grown as a person over the past year?
            o How would you like to grow as a person?
            o What sets you apart from the other candidates?
     Mentorship for first year Peer Educator staff
            o How do you define a mentor?
            o As a returning peer educator, how do you fit that definition?
            o What goals do you have for working with the first year Peer Educator staff?

                 Peer Educator Onboarding Process
If selected to be a returning Peer Educator, you will be expected to participate in an Onboarding Process. “Onboarding”
is a term used to describe a formal orientation or introduction to a job. For Residence Life & Housing, this process is
designed to help build the foundation for the Peer Educator position and will provide an introduction to important
concepts such as community building, safety and security, and confrontation/mediation while also providing
opportunities to begin creating important team connections.

Participants are required to participate in a series of workshops that focus on leadership and community development in
order to better understand the Peer Educator position. The three workshops will be held from 7 p.m.—8:30 p.m. on
March 29, April 5, and April 19 in the Legacy Multipurpose Room.

Peer Educator Position Description
The Peer Educator is an integral position in the Residence Life program. The residence halls at Midwestern State
University exist to enhance the academic and personal achievement of our residents while supporting the educational
mission of the University. Residence Life & Housing is committed to creating an environment that values and promotes
a diversity of lifestyles, cultures, and people. Residential Peer Educators work to create a positive environment by
building relationships with students, fostering a sense of campus community, providing help and assistance, and working
with students to inform and educate about important topics central to the student experience.

Prerequisites
    Cumulative and semester GPA of 2.25, which must be maintained while employed as a Peer Educator
    Enrolled full time (12 credit hours) unless in the final semester prior to graduation; those in their final semester
       prior to graduation must be enrolled in at least six (6) hours, International Students enrolled in at least twelve
       (12) hours

Preferred Qualifications
These qualifications outline the skills, which the department sees as desirable in staff members who hold this position.
    Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher is preferred
    Preference will be given to those candidates who demonstrate exemplary skills in the areas of communication,
       time management, leadership and a desire to assume this position
    Achieved sophomore status, or the equivalence of two semesters of academic work

In addition to maintaining the academic expectations outlined above, Residential Peer Educators may not be on current
disciplinary probation.

Job Expectations
The following job expectations are outlined to assist both Peer Educator and residents in their endeavors to be
academically, personally, and professionally successful.

Essential Functions
The Residential Peer Educator role is important for creating environments where students feel supported and encouraged
to grow both inside and outside of the classroom while developing relationships with other MSU-Texas students. Each
Residential Peer Educator will be selected to fill one of the following roles:

        Academic Success Coaches—Academic success coaches assist students in navigating academic processes. They
        provide helpful insight into areas such as advising, academic resources, academic success strategies, and building
        positive relationships with faculty. These educators receive support from Tutoring & Academic Support
        Programs.

        Diversity & Inclusion (MOSAIC Educators—People United to Save Humanity)—MOSAIC Educators are here to
        help us grow as a community by fostering a comprehensive and empowering environment. MOSAIC Educators
        recognize the need for proactive involvement in dialogue to build a unified campus community that celebrates
        and welcomes diversity on campus. These educators receive support from the MOSAIC Cross Cultural Center.

        Health Educators—Health Educators help students understand their choices and behavior from a wellness
        perspective. Health Educators promote the nine dimensions of wellness (emotional, physical, financial, spiritual,
        environmental, intellectual, sexual, social, and occupational) while complimenting programming in the Vinson
        Health Center, Redwine Wellness Center, and the MSU Counseling Center.

VIPs (Violence Intervention & Prevention)—VIPs are well versed in the areas of relationships and violence
        prevention. They help lead essential conversations about consent, healthy relationships, and bystander
        intervention to help us be a more open and supportive community. Our VIPs receive support from our Office of
        Title IX.

        EPIC Educators—Becoming involved on campus is an important part of your college experience. Our EPIC
        Educators (Engaging Peers in College) can help you find those connections and build the transferrable skills
        you’ll need to be a successful leader on campus. EPIC Educators work closely with work closely with the Office
        of Student Leadership & Involvement.

While each position will vary depending on the specific functional area, the following is a summary of the significant
expectations for which staff members are responsible:

Student Development and Community Building
    Engage with students to identify their needs; determine ways to involve them in the residence hall and university
       community
    Maintain respect and confidentiality among students when responding to sensitive issues within the community
    Promote positive relationships with residence hall and apartment support staff (main office administrative staff,
       custodians, maintenance staff, etc.)
    Inform students of campus resources and connect or refer them to appropriate offices and/or departments as
       necessary
    Maintain frequent contact with community members regarding (but not limited to) upcoming events, academic
       deadlines, campus resources, and community expectations
    Plan and implement a minimum of two programs or programming campaigns per month in conjunction with your
       assigned functional area
    Communicate with your supervisors regarding students experiencing academic and/or engagement difficulties
    Model and lead a healthy lifestyle
    Provide and maintain resource information on bulletin boards and other media which contribute to student
       academic, personal, and professional success
    Carry out department guidelines for helping residents and dealing with emergencies

Diversity & Inclusion
       Serve as an approachable and active community member within your floor, residence hall, and university
       Assist in building an inclusive community that promotes the exchange of diverse ideas and beliefs
       Develop relationships with Resident Assistants in your building to discuss issues and concerns within the
        community
       Support and encourage participation in campus and departmental events

Administrative Responsibilities
   Complete activity/programming guides, weekly reports, and other reports as assigned
   Function as a member of the staff team; meet regularly with supervisors to keep abreast of programs, deadlines,
      and other information important to the success of this position
   Attend weekly staff meetings and training sessions as scheduled
   Maintain approximately 10 engagement hours per week
   Perform other duties as assigned

Leadership Development
      Participate in pre-semester training workshops (fall and spring), weekly staff meetings, and other training and
       development opportunities identified by the department supervisor
      Assist with University programs including (but not limited to) Round-Up, Stampede Week, Family Weekend,
       Homecoming, Mustangs Rally, and other programs identified by the department supervisor

Commitment
Upon accepting the position, the Residential Peer Educator accept the conditions of the employment outlined in the
departmental manual, Peer Educator work agreement, and position description. The Peer Educator is expected to fulfill
their academic commitments as their priority, with the Peer Educator position being primary above all other MSU
activities (except academics). Peer Educators seeking additional employment or extensively involved activities must
consult with their supervisor or a departmental representative. Please note that Peer Educators will not be allowed to
work more than 10 additional hours per week. Peer Educators enrolled in coursework requiring an extreme time
commitment (including but not limited to the following: student teaching and clinical rotations) must receive special
permission from their supervisor and the Associate/Assistant Director of Residence Life and Housing.

The Peer Educator position is a one academic year commitment. The dates of employment are listed below:
    Fall 2020: Peer Educators will begin Fall Training at 5:00 PM on Saturday, August 9, 2020. Fall 2020
       obligations conclude on Saturday, December 12, 2020.
      Spring 2021: Peer Educators will begin Spring Training at 5:00 PM on Thursday, January 7, 2020. Spring
       2021 obligations conclude on Saturday, May 8, 2021.

Remuneration
Residential Peer Educators are assigned to rooms in Pierce, Killingsworth, McCullough-Trigg, and Legacy Halls. As
space permits, students will be assigned to private rooms. Residential Peer Educators will receive a room credit covering
the cost of their housing. Should a staff member be released from the position prior to the conclusion of the work
agreement, housing charges may be prorated accordingly.

Returning Peer Educator Selection Checklist

Complete Application Form
Application forms are due by 11:59:59 p.m. on February 20, 2020 via Mustangs Link to the Office of Residence
Life and Housing.
The application form is titled Returning Peer Educator Application for 2020-2021
Resumes will be submitted as part of the application form.
For assistance with your resume, contact the Career Management Center at (940) 397-4215.
If you have questions regarding the application process, contact Richard Keen at richard.keen@msutexas.edu.

*One reference form from current supervisor
Recommendation forms are due by 11:59:59 p.m. on February 20, 2020 via Mustangs Link to the Office of
Residence Life and Housing.
The recommendation form should be submitted by the person providing the recommendation.

*One reference form from a Peer Educator on your current staff
Recommendation forms are due by 11:59:59 p.m. on February 20, 2020 via Mustangs Link to the Office of
Residence Life and Housing.
The recommendation form should be submitted by the person providing the recommendation.

Returning Peer Educator Presentation
The returning Peer Educator Presentations will be held on March 2-6. Attendance is mandatory to be
considered for a position on the 2020-2021 staff. You will be invited to sign up after applications are
screened.

*As part of your application, you will select to waive or not waive access to your recommendations. If you waive
access, please send the following link to your recommenders: Recommendation Form for Residence Life and
Housing Staff for 2020-2021 (Access Waived)

https://msutexas.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/365481

If you do not waive access, please send the following link to your recommenders: Recommendation Form for
Residence Life and Housing Staff for 2020-2021

https://msutexas.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/365484

Returning Peer Educator Selection Timeline

Applications and              Mustangs Link             Sunday, February 20, 2020               11:59:59 p.m.
Resumes Due

Recommendations Due           Mustangs Link             Sunday, February 20, 2020               11:59:59 p.m.

Invitation to                 Email*                    Tuesday, February 25, 2019              5:00 p.m.
Present

Returning Peer Educator       Residence Life Office     Monday, March 2, 2020 through           TBD
Presentations                                           Friday, March 6, 2020                   TBD

Notification Letters          Email*                    Friday, March 13, 2020                  12:00 p.m.

Placement Interviews          TBD                       Week of March 23, 2020                  TBD

Staff Onboarding              Legacy Hall               Sunday, March 29, 2020                  7:00 p.m.
Workshops                     Multipurpose Room         Sunday, April 5, 2020                   7:00 p.m.
                                                        Sunday, April 19, 2020                  7:00 p.m.

*The email provided by the applicant on the application is the email that will be used for all correspondence.

All applications, resumes, and recommendation forms must be submitted via Mustangs Link to the Office of
Residence Life and Housing.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Richard Keen at richard.keen@msutexas.edu

2020-2021 Returning Peer Educator
Application
Office of Residence Life & Housing

 General Information
The returning Peer Educator is uniquely qualified to serve as a mentor to new members of the Peer Educator staff
because of their experience in the position. They influence the staff dynamic in their specific team and the staff as a
whole. The Residence Life and Housing Department expects the returning Peer Educators to embrace their role as
leaders on staff and allow the first-year staff to experience their position. The Peer Educator position is a challenging
one, both in the daily work responsibilities and the opportunities for individual growth and development. Returning
Peer Educators have perspective to both challenge and support their peers while allowing each individual on the staff
team to experience the position through their own lens. In addition to the mentorship role of the returning Peer
Educator position, returning Peer Educators are expected to fulfill all requirements of the Peer Educator position as it
pertains to their assigned role. For specific details on the Peer Educator position, please see the position description.

The Residence Life & Housing Department encourages all qualified candidates to apply. The invitation to apply is
inclusive and not limited by ethnicity, age, gender, religious preference, sexual orientation, or physical ability.

 Candidate Qualifications
Required Qualifications
        Cumulative and semester GPA of 2.25, which must be maintained while employed as a Peer Educator
        Enrolled full time (12 credit hours) unless in the final semester prior to graduation; those in their final
            semester prior to graduation must be enrolled in at least six (6) hours, International Students enrolled in at
            least twelve (12) hours
Preferred Qualifications
These qualifications outline the skills, which the department sees as desirable in staff members who hold this position.
        Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher is preferred
        Preference will be given to those candidates who demonstrate exemplary skills in the areas of
            communication, time management, leadership and a desire to assume this position
        Achieved sophomore status, or the equivalence of two semesters of academic work

In addition to maintaining the academic expectations outlined above, Residential Peer Educators may not be on current
disciplinary probation.

 Required Application Materials & Timeline
In addition to this application, all candidates are required to have a submitted resume, two recommendation forms, and
completed application essay questions. For assistance with your resume, contact the Career Management Center at
(940) 397-4215.
Applicants meeting minimum qualifications and with completed applications will be notified on Tuesday, February 25,
2020 if they have been selected for the returning Peer Educator presentations held on March 2-6, 2020. Candidates will
be notified of their status on Friday, March 13, 2020.

 Personal Information (please type)
Name: Click here to enter text.                 Birth Date: Click here to enter text.     Gender: Choose an item.
        (First)   (MI)   (Last)

M-Number: Click here to enter text.            Cell Phone: Click here to enter text.

Preferred Email: Click here to enter text.      Expected Graduation Date: Click here to enter text.

Current Major/Area of Study: Click here to enter text.                     Current GPA: Click here to enter text.
Number of Credit Hours Achieved to Date: Click here to enter text.         Semesters at MSU: Click here to enter text.
Please rank your preference of Peer Educator Assignments from 1 through 5, with 1 being your top pick and 5
being your last choice:

*Academic
*E.P.I.C.
*Health
*MOSAIC (PUSH)
*V.I.P.

 Essay Questions
Using no more than 500 words per question, answer the following essay questions.

            1. How can Peer Educators build positive relationships with other members of the Residence Life &
               Housing staff team?
                Click here to enter text.

            2. How do you educate and support residents who do not want to engage with uncomfortable topics?
               Click here to enter text.

            3. How do you manage conflict within a group? What are the most effective strategies for overcoming
               disagreements and communication challenges (please provide specific examples)?

            4. What is a pressing issue within Residence Life and Housing and what are the steps you would take to
               help solve it within the context of the Peer Educator position?
               Click here to enter text.

 Recommendation Forms
All applications must include ONE completed recommendation from each of the following sources:
     Current supervisor (Residence Life and Housing Supervisor)
     Current Peer Educator on your staff

 Applicant Acknowledgement
I certify that the information I have given is complete, true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I hereby
give permission for the MSU Office of Residence Life & Housing to contact references identified on this application, in
relation to my potential employment at the University. I understand that any misrepresentation of information can cancel
this application or cause for termination in the event I am employed by the Office of Residence Life & Housing.

Signature                                                                          Date
A Complete Application Packet Includes:                   Completed Application Form with Essay Questions
                                                          Two Complete Recommendation Forms
                                                          Applicant’s Resume
                              Applications are due at 11:59:59 p.m. Sunday, February 20, 2019

MSU Texas Residence Life and Housing
                    Returning Peer Educator Recommendation Form

Applicant Name:                                              Community/Building:

Recommender Name:                                                    Date:

The goal of this recommendation form is to help the Returning Peer Educator Selection Committee evaluate
the applicant’s job performance and personal development during their time as a Peer Educator from the
viewpoint of another Peer Educator on their staff. The scale used is based on how strongly you agree or
disagree with the statements listed in the boxes below. Provide examples for the rating you provide.

                                      5 – Strongly agree
                                      4 – Agree
                                      3 – Neither agree nor disagree
                                      2 – Disagree
                                      1 – Strongly disagree

                                    Statement                                         Rating
 The Peer Educator has a good relationship with his/her residents.

 Provide example(s):

 I would feel comfortable talking to this Peer Educator about my problems.

 Provide example(s):

 This Peer Educator is a leader on staff.

 Provide example(s):

 This Peer Educator can confront their friends.

 Provide example(s):

 I feel confident in this person if we had to collaborate on a program.

Provide example(s):

 This Peer Educator makes good decisions.

 Provide example(s):

Peer Educator Signature:                    Date: __________