First Year Guides

The First-Year Guide is an upper-class mentor assigned to assist first year students with transition to college during the first eight weeks of school. First Year Guides serve as a role model, resource, and university ambassador within the Housing and Residence Life support network. Individual attention is given regarding academic success, campus involvement, community building, living with a roommate, etc. First-Year Guides maintain a high level of communication and interaction with students in the residence halls and at campus activities. The skills learned in this position include:

• Learn about the needs of first-year students and how important
  addressing those needs is to a student's successful transition to
  college life.
• Learn the importance of creating social networks and working together
  as a team.
• Develop the skills to empower others through involvement.
• Learn to bring people together in a community that recognizes
  individual differences and talents.
• Gain knowledge of university and community resources.
• Develop an understanding of the responsibilities associated with a job
  commitment.
• Gain experience working with a diverse student population.
• Develop and enhance interpersonal and communication skills.
• Develop specialized skills necessary to provide quality customer
  service.

Why become a First-Year Guide?

• Great Campus Leadership Experience
• Opportunity to help others transition to college life
• $7.40 hr.

What are the qualifications to become a First-Year Guide?

• Strong desire to work with first-year students
• Ability to work independently
• Effective individual and group communication skills
• High level of University of Louisville pride
• Knowledge of University and Housing and Residence Life policies
• Enrolled as a full-time student at U of L with sophomore status (30+ credits) which will be verified prior to employment.
• Good judicial standing
• 2.5 Grade Point Average

What will I do as a First-Year Guide?

• Establish relationships with first-year residents
• Encourage interactions among residents
• Maintain high visibility on the floor; be approachable and receptive
• Meet individually with each assigned resident
• Identify and respond to students needing extra assistance
• Connect residents with campus resources
• Aid in the development of community standards and an environment inclusive of the diverse background of residents
• Attend community meetings and programs
• Communicate regularly with residents and Housing & Residence Life staff
• Successfully complete all Residence Life student staff training sessions
• Participate in Move-In Day and Welcome Weekend activities
• Write welcome and mid-term letters to residents
• Attend weekly meetings Sundays from 4:00-5:00pm
• Spend at least one hour each day with students in the residence halls
• Complete weekly reports and other paperwork in a timely manner
• Support University and Housing & Residence Life policies and procedures
• Abide by the Housing and Residence Life Code of Ethics
• Actively support other members of the Housing and Residence Life team
• Maintain a positive attitude

How long does the program last?

• First-Year Guides are employed from early August through early October
• Where can I get an application?
• Stop by the Housing Office in West Hall
  
• Download a copy and fill it out. Adobe PDF Microsoft Word

Who can I talk to if I have a question?