The Key Communities are looking for current CSU students who will be sophomores, juniors, or seniors in fall of 2026 and who have a passion for creating welcoming environments for students from a wide range of lived experiences, to fulfill the year-long role of a Key Mentor. Key Mentors build mentoring relationships with their students focusing on student strengths and needs.
As a Key Mentor, you will be responsible for the following:
Individual Student Outreach and Support
- Develop a mentoring relationship with students that focuses on a student’s strengths and needs
- Meet with all (15-20) student mentees at least three times per semester, including a mid-semester Academic Progress Conference
- Devote time to individual check ins and follow up with student mentees based on individual needs
- Engage with students in the residence halls through weekly hall hours
- Conduct engagement hours, which include but are not limited to, study hours, taking students to campus events or resources, etc.
- Refer students to resources on campus specific to first-year students
- Respond to crisis situations based on training given at the beginning of the school year
Cluster and Community Engagement
- Plan and implement cluster activities monthly to build community within your Key cluster
- Attend and support in the implementation of signature Key Communities events such Key Connect Orientation, Spring Welcome Back, and Closing BBQ
- Support other community engagement initiatives hosted by the Key Communities staff
- Intentionally develop a sense of community that supports a community of students from a variety of backgrounds
Training and Professional Development
- Actively contribute and participate in the following trainings and meeting times:
- August All-Staff Training (see Important Dates Document for more information)
- Monthly All-Key Staff Training dates (TBD)
- Weekly 1:1 meeting with supervisor (Key Coordinator)
- Weekly group staff meetings
- End of Year Student Staff Closing
Key Seminar Engagement
- Attend Key seminar (fall and spring) for your cluster weekly and support in creating a welcoming classroom environment
- Support Key seminar instructor in the facilitation of classroom content, discussion, and activities
- Track student attendance and participation
- Meet weekly with Key seminar instructor
- Support instructor in the classroom as needed
Administrative Tasks
- Learn and effectively use work-related technology, such as EAB Navigate to track student interactions and goal-setting platform
- Assist with the distribution of assessment surveys
- Prepare for cluster/community events and workshop presentation to present to students
- Stay up to date on email and text communications
- Manage own hours using Time Clock Plus system
- Manage time effectively to complete job-related tasks and responsibilities
Qualifications
- Must be a second year, junior, or senior with at least 24 credits by Fall of 2026
- Must have 2.5 GPA or higher – preference will be given to those with a GPA closer to 3.0 OR have an upward trend from past semesters
- Demonstrated commitment to creating welcoming environments for students from a variety of backgrounds to foster a sense of belonging for students
- Willingness to learn about individuals from a variety of backgrounds.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to facilitate group discussions
- Knowledge of campus resources and opportunities, in addition to having the willingness to seek out new resources for students as needed
- Demonstrated leadership through involvement or work experience
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work in an autonomous work setting
Colorado State University may conduct background checks on final candidates.
Employee benefit information can be found on HR’s Website at https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/
Work study is required. All students hired into this role will be asked to apply for work study if not already eligible.
Hourly Pay Rate: $16.25 per Hour
Start Date: August 10th, 2026
Students interested in this position must first attend one of our in-person information sessions listed below. Additionally, please note the important dates required for this position which can be found linked on this webpage. This position starts in August of 2026, and we will have one required, paid event in the Spring (April) of 2026. All students hired will be asked to apply for work study if not already eligible.
Information Session Dates/Times/Locations:
Monday, December 8th 2025 – 4:00 – 5:00 pm – Canvas Stadium Big South Conference Room, 202
Wednesday, January 21st 2026 – 4:30-5:30 – pm – Canvas Stadium Big South Conference Room, 202
Thursday, January 22nd 2026– 4:00-5:00 pm – Canvas Stadium Big South Conference Room, 202
Friday, January 23rd 2026 – 2:00 – 3:00 pm – Zoom - https://zoom.us/j/97655481045
Please visit the following link to fill out our Key Mentor application: https://key.lc.colostate.edu/keyapp/staffapp. You will be asked to respond to the following questions:
Please tell us why you are interested in being a student staff member with the Key Communities.
- The Key Communities approaches supporting students through a strengths-based approach, drawing upon their strengths and experiences. With that in mind, please describe the strengths and experiences you would bring to this position.
- Please describe strategies you would use to create a welcoming environment for students from a variety of backgrounds to create a sense of belonging for students.
- One aspect of this role is to connect students with resources and opportunities on campus. What is a resource/office on campus at CSU that you have used and what did you gain or learn from that experience? The Key Communities are learning communities that are designed to help first-year students find their people, discover their strengths, and thrive at CSU. The Key Communities serve students coming from a wide range of lived experiences, including first-generation students and students who have encountered educational barriers with a goal of promoting academic success and connection at CSU.