Viking Mentors
Are you looking for a meaningful, paid leadership opportunity on campus? Do you want to help new students successfully transition to Augustana or be a leading member of our team?
We are looking for student leaders to join our team!
Apply to be a Viking Mentor or Assistant Director (formerly known as first-year and transfer peer mentors).
Viking Mentors guide first-year and transfer students, build connections, and foster a welcoming community.
Assistant Directors take on a higher leadership role by supporting Viking Mentors and help take our team to the next level.
Either role will help you develop leadership experience, build professional skills and make a lasting impact at Augustana.
How to apply
Applications have closed for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Position descriptions
Viking Mentor
Augustana College has high expectations for students who serve as Viking Mentors (formerly known as First-Year and Transfer Peer Mentors). Viking Mentors play a crucial role in supporting first-year and transfer students as they transition academically and personally to college life. They provide guidance, facilitate meaningful connections, and encourage engagement within the Augustana community.
This paid leadership position is a key component of Augustana’s Bold mission to create an inclusive and welcoming environment, and provide new students with the support and resources they need to thrive in their first year. Viking Mentors serve as trusted guides and advocates, helping students establish a strong foundation for success.
Position responsibilities
Mentorship and student engagement
- Serve as a mentor for a group of 20 first-year or transfer students for Welcome Week and throughout their first year at Augustana.
- Foster a sense of belonging by building meaningful connections with mentees.
- Offer guidance on academic, social, and personal success strategies.
- Lead biweekly Viking Check-Ins during Monday common hour 1-2 p.m. to deliver New Viking curriculum.
- Organize small group activities and social programming to enhance community-building.
Training and professional development
- Participate in required spring and summer training sessions to develop mentorship skills.
- Engage in biweekly team meetings during Monday common hour 1-2 p.m. for ongoing training and professional development.
- Utilize Top Five CliftonStrengths to identify and build upon your natural talents.
Academic and campus support
- Serve as a liaison between new students and campus resources, helping to ensure smooth transitions and academic success.
- Provide assistance and support to first-year and transfer Advisors especially for academic deadlines and during course registration.
Academic commitments and time expectations
- Augustana College recognizes that academic success is the top priority for students. Because of the leadership responsibilities required for this role, the Viking Mentor position should be a primary non-academic commitment.
- Welcome Week Leader
- Fully available Aug. 21-Sept. 1 (up to 60 hours)
- 2-3 hours per week during the academic year to mentoring, training, and program related activities.
Position requirements
Terms of employment
- Student must have completed 24 credits at Augustana by the end of Spring 2025.
- Maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative and term GPA.
- Students must be in good standing with the institution.
- Employment contract April 2025-March 2026
- As a result, students cannot student teach or participate in study away during fall or spring term.
Required dates
- April 5, 2025: New Viking Mentor Interview Day
- April 27, 2025: Mentor Leadership Retreat (10 a.m.-1 p.m.)
- Aug. 21-Sept. 1, 2025: Mandatory training, pre-Welcome Week events, move-in, Welcome Week
- Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2026: Mandatory training, Spring Orientation and Welcome Week
- Monday Common Hour availability: 1-2 p.m.
Compensation
- Hourly pay
- Early move-in and meals (Aug. 20)
Assistant director
The Assistant Director is a paid leadership position responsible for supporting and enhancing the Viking Mentor experience. The Assistant Director supervises 8-12 Viking Mentors to foster an inclusive, student-centered mentorship experience, ensuring that Viking Mentors receive professional development, training, and guidance to support new students effectively.
This role is ideal for upperclassmen who want to take their leadership to the next level, build event coordination and professional development experience, and make a meaningful impact on the Augustana community.
Position responsibilities
Leadership and supervision
- Directly supervises and supports 8-12 Viking Mentors during Welcome Week and throughout the academic year.
- Leads biweekly team meetings during Monday common hour 1-2 p.m. for ongoing training and professional development.
- Facilitates regular check-ins with mentors to ensure success in their roles.
- Serves as a resource and role model, reinforcing the mission of the Viking Mentor Program.
- Expands engagement opportunities for Viking Mentors through collaborations with student organizations, faculty, and campus departments.
Program oversight and committee leadership
- Manages weekly program operations, ensuring smooth execution of Viking Mentor activities.
- Serves as the primary point of contact for assigned Viking Mentor logistics and support.
- Leads a Viking Mentor Committee. Potential focus areas include:
- Programming – Plan mentor-led events, seek out campus collaborations, and new student experiences.
- Advising & Registration – Strengthening academic preparedness and facilitating the course registration process.
- Social Media & Communications – Manage online engagement and promotional materials.
- Mentor Experience – Develop mentor leadership development and mentor community building opportunities.
Summer preparation 2025
- Engage in program planning and training development over summer 2025.
- 2 hours per week during July/August
- Assist with new student outreach and early engagement initiatives.
Academic commitments and time expectations
- Augustana College recognizes that academic success is the top priority for students. Because of the leadership responsibilities required for this role, the Assistant Director position should be a primary non-academic commitment.
- Welcome Week Supervisor
- Fully available Aug. 20-Sept. 1 (up to 60 hours)
- 5-7 hours per week during the academic year.
Position requirements
Terms of employment
- Student must have at least one year experience as a Viking Mentor OR be a rising junior/senior with previous student leadership experience.
- Maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative and term GPA.
- Students must be in good standing with the institution.
- Employment contract April 2025-March 2026
- As a result, students cannot student teach or participate in study away during fall or spring term.
Required dates
- April 27, 2025: Mentor Leadership Retreat (10 a.m.-1 p.m.)
- Aug. 20-Sept. 1, 2025: Mandatory training, pre-Welcome Week events, move-in, Welcome Week
- Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2026: Mandatory training, Spring Orientation and Welcome Week
- Monday Common Hour availability: 1-2 p.m.
Compensation
- Hourly pay
- Early move-in and meals (Aug. 20)
- Optional: Register the opportunity for a 1-2 credit bearing internship.
Questions?
If you have questions or want to learn more, contact Nicole Sexton in the Learning Commons.
We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to grow as a leader and support your peers.