Sumer Residential Mentor
The University of Iowa TRIO Upward Bound Program
Resident Mentor and Head Resident Mentor
The Upward Bound Program (UB) is a federal TRIO program that helps high school students from low-income families and/or students who will potentially be first-generation college students, prepare for post-secondary education. We empower students to advocate for their education and achieve their post-secondary goals.
Upward Bound is looking to fill 6 Resident Mentor (RM) positions and one Head Resident Mentor (HRM) position for the 2025 Summer Semester. In this position, you would oversee the day-to-day activities and well-being of a group of 25 Upward Bound high school students.
Basic Functions:
Summer Residential Staff are an important piece to the success of our summer program. Holding themselves accountable and leading our group of summer program participants throughout day-to-day and evening activities for 6 weeks (about 1 and a half months), independently and responsibly. Summer Residential staff takes initiative the Upward Bound program’s objectives and goals, supports students as they experience on-campus life, and handles challenging and multiple tasks with patience and teamwork, utilizing the entire Residential team and the UB staff as support.
RMs will be responsible for a group of 4-6 students throughout the summer. Students in the program will engage in in-person, on-campus classes Monday through Thursday followed by a day of in-person activities on Fridays to provide students the opportunity to engage with one another and the program staff.
The HRM will also work closely with the Resident Supervisor, Joseph Villalobos, to provide information on student experience, disciplinary concerns, event planning, and additional information pertinent to the summer program's success.
Hours/Work Schedule:
As a Resident Mentor/Head Resident Mentor for the Summer 2025 Program you will be living on campus from June 9- July 19. Tasks include, weekday mornings accompanying students to meals, classes, and evenings will be spent facilitating study hall sessions, SILT activities, and room check at curfew. Supervising students will be weekly from Sunday afternoon through Friday afternoon.
On weekends students go home from Friday (time TBD) and return to campus on Sunday afternoon.
Post-Summer Program completion, Resident Mentors/Head Resident Mentor are required to join us on our Summer Trip from July 21st-July 25th, to Wisconsin.
Pay and What Is Included:
Resident Mentor: $3,000
Head Resident Mentor: $3,200-$3,520, dependent upon related/prior experience.
Stipends will be separated into two payment dates on July 1, and August 1.
Full room and board are included from June 9- July 19.
Requirements:
Must have a valid driver’s license and upon being hired must be able to complete the UI Fleet services driving certification, a Criminal Background Check, Minors on Campus Training, First Aid Training, CPR Certification, and Harassment Prevention training.
Responsibilities:
- Developing and maintaining appropriate mentor connections with Upward Bound participants as individuals and group members. This includes:
- Getting to know participants through formal and informal interactions
- Identifying, immediately reporting, and monitoring participants with health (physical, socio-emotional, mental, etc.) concerns
- Observing the behavior and group dynamics of participants
- Demonstrating respect for participants bringing academic or personal concerns or issues to your attention
- Reporting and solving conflicts with the assistance of the Upward Bound Staff and/or The TRIO Director.
- Maintaining an atmosphere conducive to positive personal development, self-discipline, study, and sleep. This includes:
- Serving as a positive role model to students by words, actions, and follow-throughs
- Operating honestly and with the utmost integrity at all times
- Assisting in the development of each participant’s maturity
- Encouraging full participation in educational, social, cultural, and recreational activities
- Conducting evening checks for all participants to ensure they are practicing healthy sleep habits & hygiene
- Participating in at least one (1) On-Call weekend throughout the Summer Program for participants opting to stay on campus (justification required from the participants)
- Assuring all students, staff, and peers are respected and treated consistently with university policies, minors on campus policies, and upward bound policies.
- Supporting, informing participants, and enforcing policies and regulations that encourage responsible student behavior, conduct, and autonomy,
- Monitoring participants’ behavior and immediately reporting all infractions of Upward Bound and University rules and regulations to assigned Upward Staff or The TRIO Director
- Practicing confidentiality in matters related to participants and staff without withholding information about students from the pro-staff
- Lead/Assist in planning and implementing special interest and other additional activities (Ex: Closing Ceremony, Kick-Off Weekend)
- Supporting, monitoring, and engaging with students during dedicated academic times/activities
- Monitoring student behavior on field trips
- Modeling appropriate space etiquette, regardless of modality (virtual, hybrid, in-person, etc.)
- Assisting with planning and implementing age-appropriate special interest, lifetime sports, and weekend activities
- Facilitating, monitoring, and assisting students during study hall/study table times
- Fulfilling administrative responsibilities including:
- Maintaining collaborative interaction among staff and participants characterized by respect, authenticity, transparency, and service
- Attending and participating in staff meetings with Upward Bound staff
- Preparing and submitting, in a timely manner, reports documenting incidents with participants, event reports, and maintenance/custodial requests to the assigned Upward Bound Specialist
- Submitting any documentation or information to the Head Resident Mentor and Resident Supervisor as needed.
- Maintaining a positive attitude toward all job duties
- Providing transportation to and from Upward Bound events and students’ home communities, as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Resident Mentor
Required for RM:
- Current & continuing college student or recently graduated college student (undergraduate and graduate levels).
- Ability to handle multiple assignments, challenging demands, and priorities, working around the clock to support the Summer Program objectives and schedules
- Ability to engage in daily physical activity (walking around campus most of the day and/or on day trips, etc.)
- Must be able to work at a fast pace in a team environment
- Valid driver’s license and meet the University Fleet Safety Program requirements (University of Iowa Operations Manual Part V, Chapter 19).
Desirable for RM:
- Completion of college or higher or current graduate student.
- Experience working with students from low-income backgrounds, multiethnic backgrounds, and/or who are potential first-generation college graduates.
- Experience working with high school students.
- Background teaching/tutoring STEM materials or willingness to
- CPR Certification
- Lifeguard/Aquatics Safety Training
Head Resident Mentor
Required for HRM:
- Graduate Student or undergraduate student with a combination of education and experience required.
- Ability to effectively manage groups of high school and college-aged students.
- Ability to handle multiple assignments, conflicting demands, and priorities.
- Valid driver’s license and meet the University Fleet Safety Program requirements (University of Iowa Operations Manual Part V, Chapter 19).
Desirable for HRM:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher.
- Prior leadership experience.
- Experience working with high school students.
- Experience working with students from low-income backgrounds, multiethnic backgrounds, and/or who are potential first-generation college graduates.
Interested candidates are requested to complete and submit this application along with a copy of their resume and academic transcript: https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3kLRXqndprMUuKW
Questions can be directed to joseph-villalobos@uiowa.edu
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, associational preference, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.