Through ELP, peer mentors have the opportunity to have a direct, positive impact on the lives of students new to the Binghamton University community. ELP Mentors are returning students who serve as role models and primary contacts for new students making their way through their first semester. ELP provides an opportunity for students to put leadership into action, as the program focuses on providing ways to learn about and practice distinct characteristics of leadership through a theme-based Knowledge Community (KC). In addition to serving as a role model, ELP Mentors have the opportunity to practice communication, utilize facilitation and problem-solving skills, obtain increased knowledge of campus and how to maximize use of resources, build self-awareness and an understanding of personal strengths, leadership skills, and more.
ELP Mentors work in a team, alongside a co-mentor, a faculty and staff advisor and up to thirteen new students. These KC teams provide a theme for participants and a lens from which to view and practice leadership.
ELP Mentors are enrolled in a 2-credit hour practicum, which includes a weekly 1 1/2 hour seminar class. The class meets from 4:00-5:30pm on Fridays, and all ELP Mentors must be able to attend this class time. The expected time commitment for the ELP Mentor position is approximately six hours per week, for the duration of the fall semester.
Applicants who move forward in the process will participate in a candidate interview (scheduled for late February/early March), and will be notified about the final selection process outcome during the week of March 11-15. ELP Mentors are expected to attend both the ELP Team Leaders planning meeting and the ELP Mentors training program, which will take place in April.
Contact Debora Clinton Callaghan, ELP Program Director, or Tyler Lenga, ELP Program Coordinator, with any questions.
