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Advising and Resources Center

Mentorship Alliance for Student Success (MASS) Program

Welcome to the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) Mentorship Alliance for Student Success (MASS) Program! College is a big transition for many first-year freshmen, and the rigor of being a STEM major can make it even more overwhelming. The program is made up of volunteer peer mentors, who play a vital role in providing first-year freshmen support with college navigation and knowledge of campus resources. In addition, peer mentors help the first-year freshmen connect, both academically and socially, to the university in order to successfully reach degree completion. We are hopeful that this support will have a long-lasting influence beyond the students' experience at Fresno State. 

Mission Statement

The Fresno State College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) Mentorship Alliance for Student Success (MASS) Program will serve as an integral part of the college designed to promote student success and STEM retention by providing first-year freshmen with exclusive peer support that will enhance their academic development. 


Benefits of being a MASS Peer Mentor

  • Form connections with campus community 
  • Make an impact on freshman's academic success
  • Develop transferable, professional skills
  • Obtain community service hours
  • Potential references and letters of recommendation

The College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) Mentorship Alliance for Student Success (MASS) Peer Mentor Program is seeking enthusiastic students to serve as volunteer Peer Mentors for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Peer Mentors support and assist incoming CSM BOND first-year students throughout their first year at Fresno State.

Duties and Responsibilities
Peer Mentors are expected to:

  • Complete required trainings in June/August 2026
  • Attend end-of-semester evaluation meetings with the MASS Program Coordinator and/or MASS Program Grad Coordinator  (Fall and Spring)
  • Attend mandatory meetings/check-ins
  • Manage a caseload of 3–7 first-year students (depending on BOND enrollment)
  • Document outreach and mentoring sessions in Bulldog Connect
  • Submit required documentation in a timely manner
  • Communicate effectively with the MASS Program Coordinator and MASS Program Grad Coordinator
  • Follow all program and university policies and code of conduct

Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must:

  • Have completed at least one semester at California State University, Fresno
  • Be a major within the College of Science and Mathematics or College of Science and Mathematics graduate
  • Have a minimum 3.00 GPA (exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis)

Preferred applicants:

  • Junior, senior, or graduate students
    (Sophomores who will be juniors next year are encouraged to apply.)
  • Students with customer service experience and familiarity with web-based applications (preferred but not required)

Required Skills
Applicants should be able to:

  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
  • Work respectfully with diverse populations
  • Manage responsibilities in a multitasking environment
  • Maintain confidentiality

Application Information 
Important: The application must be completed in one sitting.
Please prepare the following before starting:

  • A PDF copy of your resume

Apply to Become a MASS Peer Mentor
Interested in supporting incoming students in the College of Science and Mathematics?
Apply to become a MASS Peer Mentor for the 2026–2027 academic year and help first-year students navigate their transition to Fresno State while gaining valuable leadership and mentoring experience.

📝 Apply Here:
https://forms.gle/VoDFtQ2RPC7bCTyj9

📅 Application Deadline: April 10, 2026

If you have questions, please contact:
Sonia O. Romero
📧 soniaor@csufresno.edu

Q1: How long is the commitment?
A: MASS Peer Mentors commit to one academic year (Fall and Spring semesters).

Q2: How many students will I be assigned?
A: Each MASS Peer Mentor is assigned a caseload of approximately 3–7 mentees.

Q3: How many hours are required?
A: Time commitment varies depending on how long it takes to complete program responsibilities. At minimum, mentors are expected to:

  • Attend trainings at the beginning of each semester
  • Participate in periodic check-in meetings
  • Meet with their assigned mentees throughout the semester
  • Document mentoring activities and outreach
  • Attend an end-of-semester evaluation with a MASS Supervisor or Peer Mentor Lead
  • The program offers flexibility in scheduling these responsibilities.

Q4: Will I mentor students from my major?
A: Peer Mentors work with students from across the College of Science and Mathematics, including majors such as Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES), Geology, Mathematics, Psychology, and Physics.

Many students in these majors are also pursuing post-graduation pathways such as pre-med, pre-pharmacy, physician assistant programs, graduate school, and other professional careers.

Q5: How will this help me grow professionally?
A: The program helps mentors develop valuable professional skills, including:

  • Communication (oral and written)
  • Caseload management
  • Academic coaching and mentoring
  • Leadership and advocacy skills

These experiences can strengthen your resume and graduate or professional school applications.

Q6: Is this a paid position?
A: No. The MASS Peer Mentor role is a volunteer position. However, mentors may be able to earn community service hours through their participation.

Q7: Do I need previous mentoring experience to apply?
A: No prior mentoring experience is required. We are looking for students who are enthusiastic about helping others and willing to learn. All Peer Mentors will receive training and guidance from the MASS team.

Q8: How often should I communicate with my mentees?
A: Peer Mentors are required to check in regularly with their mentees throughout the semester. This will include two meetings per semester, email communication, or other outreach to provide support, resources, and encouragement.

Q9: What kind of support will I receive as a Peer Mentor?
A: Peer Mentors receive support from MASS Program Coordinators, and MASS Grad Interns, including training, guidance, and regular meetings to discuss challenges, share strategies, and develop mentoring skills.

Q10: What types of topics do Peer Mentors help mentees with?
A: Mentors may help students with topics such as:

  • Navigating their first year of college
  • Connecting with campus resources
  • Time management and study strategies
  • Getting involved in clubs, research, or campus opportunities

Q11: Can I use this experience on my resume or graduate school applications?
A: Yes. Serving as a MASS Peer Mentor demonstrates leadership, mentorship, communication, and organizational skills, which are valuable for resumes, internships, and graduate or professional school applications.

Q12: How do I apply?
A: Students can apply using the application form below:

Application Link:
https://forms.gle/VoDFtQ2RPC7bCTyj9

📅 Application Deadline: April 10, 2026