Contact Information: If you have any questions about the IPG program, please contact Zahra Ahmed, IPG Mentor Coordinator, at ahmedz@uci.edu or (949) 824-6776
The International Peer Group (IPG) Program
Our Mission: IPG's mission is to assist UCI's international freshmen in making a smooth transition into university life. IPG provides both academic and social support in order to engage our international students in UCI’s vibrant campus life and help them create solid relationships in their new environment. IPG is based on strong mentor / mentee relationships that encourage cultural exploration as well as academic and personal success. Through IPG, all students have a chance to create new friendships and develop their skills and knowledge in order to ensure academic, social and professional achievement at UCI.
Deadline: Friday June 21, 2013 at 5:00 pm!
If you are...
* An empathetic student who wants to help others get the most out of their time at UCI
* A campus leader who can connect mentees with other UCI programs and resources
* Committed to learning about other cultures
* Creative and able to take the lead in organizing events
* Motivated to use your experiences to provide academic and social support for mentees
...then this job is for you!
All IPG Mentors MUST be able to:
Participate in a group interview.
Attend Mentor training on September 10, 11, 12 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Work during the International Student Orientation (ISO) on September 18, 19, 20.
Work 10 hours per week during the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. Mentor Coordinators may work up to 15 hours per week.
As an IPG Mentor, you will be a valuable resource for your mentees. Some of the work you would do includes:
Conceptualize, coordinate, implement, and attend academic and social events throughout the academic year for mentors and mentees. These include workshops, study sessions, holiday events, and panel discussions.
Organize weekly check-in sessions with each mentee to discuss any issues, questions or concerns.
Attend weekly staff meetings.
Check e-mail DAILY and communicate with IPG Coordinator and Mentor Coordinators via e-mail as needed.
Provide referrals to campus resources as necessary.
Represent IPG at campus and community events.
Assist with creating and maintaining resource materials.
Work with campus units to conduct outreach to incoming international students.
In addition to IPG Mentors, we have IPG Mentor Coordinators. These students are lead organizers for the IPG Mentors. Mentor Coordinators help run the program by doing the following:
Work closely with Program Coordinator to organize and maintain consistent communications with IPG Mentors.
Serve as leads on all IPG events.
Co-facilitate and take notes at weekly staff meetings.
The IPG program includes several types of activities which help mentees become adjusted to life at UCI.
Individual / Small Group Meetings:Mentors and mentees can schedule meetings to get to know one another either one-on-one or in a small group social setting. Examples include:
Mentors and mentees meet for coffee on campus.
Mentors show mentees around UCI's campus.
Mentors invite mentees to go out with friends.
Large Group IPG Events: Mentors and mentees come together to plan academic and social events for IPG. Examples include:
Midterm and Final Exam Study Sessions every quarter.
Study Skills Workshops
International Village Social
"Get Involved" Fair
Sign up for IPG! If you are an international freshman and you would like to be matched with a mentor, please download the IPG Interest Sheet, complete it, and e-mail it to Zahra Ahmed at: ahmedz@uci.edu
Mentors provide a variety of academic services including:
Help mentees understand UCI’s academic culture.
Review class notes.
Review essays.
Help set up individual tutoring sessions through LARC and other resources.
Connect mentees with the Campus Writing Center.
Attend professor’s or TA’s office hours with mentees.
Provide flexible office hours to meet.
Help mentees create assignment / exam schedules.
Practice English with mentees.
Link mentees to other relevant campus resources.
Discuss experiences studying or living abroad.
Provide referrals to other campus services.
Serve as a general resource to help mentees adapt to UCI.
“We talk about life and class and if I have an essay, she’ll even help me with it.”
Office Hours: IPG mentors are available to meet with mentees in convenient, public places on campus to discuss academic questions and concerns. Mentor office hours are held during both afternoon and evening hours – at least twice per week.
