Working Title: Peer Mentor - IE

State Role Title: Institutional Employment/Federal Work Study

Position Type: Institutional Employment

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Business

Department: 100674 - COB-Differential Tuition

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: $15.00

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A

Beginning Review Date: 2/24/2026

About JMU:

Situated in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.

JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information:

The JMU College of Business is seeking enthusiastic and dedicated junior or senior undergraduate students to serve as Program Mentors for the inaugural Business Bound Summer Bridge Program. This one-week program (August 16-20, 2026) is designed to support incoming first-generation business students as they transition into college by providing academic preparation, professional development, and a strong sense of community. As a mentor, you will play a key role in guiding and inspiring students, helping them build confidence and connections that will contribute to their success in the College of Business.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as a peer mentor and role model for first-generation business students
• Facilitate small group discussions and team-building exercises
• Provide insight into navigating college life, coursework, and career planning
• Support students in understanding campus resources and business school expectations
• Assist program staff with logistics, workshops, and events as needed
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants

Qualifications:

• Fall 2026 COB 300 or post COB 300 student majoring in any business program
• First-generation college student (First-generation defined as a student whose parent(s) or guardian(s) did not graduate from a four-year institution.)
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Strong leadership, communication, and mentorship skills
• Passion for helping first-year students succeed
• Ability to share personal college experiences and offer guidance on academic and professional development
• Comfortable facilitating small group discussions and activities

Additional Posting Information:

Time Commitment
• Up to 25 hours during the program week and a maximum of 30 hours during the Fall semester as needed

Benefits
• Opportunity to develop leadership and mentorship experience
• Network with faculty, staff, and business professionals
• Make a meaningful impact on the success of first-generation students

How to Apply
Interested students should complete the application through PageUp and submit a resume along with a cover letter that includes a brief statement (200-300 words) on why they want to be a mentor and how their experience as a first-generation student in business has shaped their journey.

Deadline to Apply: April 1, 2026

Contact for Questions:
Taylor Williams
willi2tr@jmu.edu
Business Bound Co-coordinator

Conditions of Employment:  

Students must be degree-seeking students, enrolled on at least a half-time basis (6 credits for undergraduate and 5 credits for graduate).

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at (540) 568-6705 or disability-svcs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the Office of Disability Services, located in the Student Success Center, Suite 1202 and they will be happy to assist you.