Student Assistant

Mentors serve as coaches, role models, and supportive guides, helping students navigate both the academic expectations of college and the everyday responsibilities of independent living. This position is ideal for individuals interested in leadership, education, psychology, social work, special education, rehabilitation, or related helping professions.

Peer mentors support UMatter students in building academic, social, and independent living skills while promoting confidence and self-advocacy in a college environment. 

Academic Mentors

Academic Mentors focus on supporting students' learning, organization, and engagement in college coursework.

• Provide individualized academic support and tutoring for USF courses
• Assist students with completing modified coursework
• Help students break down assignments, prepare for quizzes and exams, and meet deadlines
• Teach and model effective study strategies including:
  • Task analysis
  • Note-taking and annotation
  • TIme managment and use of planners/schedules
  • Checking and responding to university email
• Reinforce executive functioning skills such as organization, attention, and follow-through

Life Skills Peer Mentors

Life Skills Mentors support students in developing the daily living and social skills necessary for independent adulthood, particularly within campus housing and community environments. 

• Teach and model daily living skills, including but not limited to:
  • Laundry and basic housekeeping
  • Dishwashing and kitchen clean-up
  • Healthy eating and basic nutrition choices
  • Personal hygiene and grooming
  • Shopping and money management
  • Navigating campus and local public transportation
• Support students in following daily schedules and routines
• Foster social skills, community engagement, and appropriate peer interactions
• Provide independent living support within residential halls and USFSP facilities

Shared Responsibilities 

• Build respectful and supportive relationships with students
• Serve as a positive role model for college behaviors and adult life skills
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to program policies and ethical standards
• Encourage self-advocacy by helping students identify when and how to ask for assistance
• Communicate regularly with UMatter staff to share progress, concerns, and successes
• Complete timely digital session notes to record mentoring activities, student progress, and data

• Must be an actively enrolled USF student
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Patience, empathy, reliability, and a strengths-based mindset
• Ability to provide structured support while encouraging independence
• Comfort providing direct, concrete instruction and feedback

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest or coursework in inclusive education, disability services, psychology, social work, rehabilitation, or related fields
• Expereince (formal or informal) supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities