Peer2Peer SponsorProgram for the

2017-2018 Academic Year

Introduction to the Office of Military and Veterans Services (OMVS)

The Office of Military and Veterans Services is the single point of contact for all military and veterans services and concerns. The office strives to ensure the academic success of OSU’s student Veterans. Any student utilizing VA education benefits must work with this office as a part of their enrollment at OSU. In addition to processing VA education benefits, this office also provides support in the following areas:

-Academic advising for students exploring majors

-Student Veteran Community Advocate Program (in collaboration with various campus offices)

-Student Veteran House

-Student Veteran social events such as appreciation dinners, military appreciation sporting events and graduation ceremonies

-Student Veteran specific tutoring

-VA Resources (in collaboration with the VA Vet Success Counselor) such as educational and vocational counseling, job readiness development, VA healthcare referrals and vocational rehab case management

-Veteran specific career and internship opportunities (in collaboration with Buckeye Careers)

-Veterans Lounge

Introduction to the P2P Program

The Peer2Peer SponsorProgram at The Ohio State University is a peer outreach program designed to help incoming student Veterans make a smooth transition from the military to student life on campus.A Peer “Sponsor” is an experienced, energetic Student Veteran who provides regular outreach with new undergraduate Student Veterans on OSU Columbus Campus via face-to-face meetings, telephone and email. PeerSponsors communicate information about campus resources, provide encouragement and support, develop trust, provide appropriate referralsand are a point of contact within the Office of Military and Veterans Services regarding all sorts of topics that include but are not limited to: housing, academic advising, VA education benefits, tutoring, mental health counseling, career and major exploration and so much more!

In addition to the intentional outreach provided to new Student Veterans on campus, the Peer Sponsors also provide customer service support at the front desk of the Office of Military and Veterans Services. The Peer Sponsors answer incoming phone calls from prospective students, current students, family members and other community partners. They welcome students and other visitors as they enter the office, assisting them in either answering their questions, providing valuable information about OSU and the office and/or making the appropriate referral to one of the fulltime OMVS staff members.

Students who thrive in the Peer Sponsor role possess the following qualities:

-Able to problem solve

-Creative

-Desire to help and serve others

-Optimistic

-Organized

-Patient

-Proactive

-Trustworthy

-Willing to listen

Payment

The Peer2Peer Sponsor position will be paid at a rate of $8-10/hour and must be enrolled at least three-quarter time.

Expectations

  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above.
  • Work ten hours a week with a negotiable tour of duty between 0830-1630 based on class schedule; approx. 9hours/week in OSU MVS office and 1hour a week in Vets Lounge.
  • Infrequent evening and weekend event requirements
  • Attends weekly Peer2Peer team meeting, including regular professional development sessions.
  • Weekly outreach to new Student Veterans on OSU Columbus campus via face to face meetings, telephone, text, and email.Establish contact at least three times per semester and/or as needed with new student Veterans attending OSU during their first semester of attendance.
  • Refers Veteran to Office of Military and Veterans Services (Academic Advisor, VetSuccess on Campus Counselor, OSU VA Education Benefit Certifying Official), as well as other OSU campus resources and community resources.
  • Assist with coordination of Peer2Peer Workshop series
  • Helps improve the Veteran community on campus in collaboration with Vets4Vets Student Organization and Student Veteran Community Advocates through group meetings and outings.
  • Assists in planning at least one, large-scale programming event each semester
  • Accompany OMVS staff on occasion to outreach and engagement events

Application and Training Process

-Wednesday, March 1st: Application is available (link in Carmen)

-Wednesday, March 15th: Application is due

-Week of March 27th: Interviews

-Tuesday, May 9th: Training Begins

  • Training will occur every Tuesday and Thursday (9am-12pm) between May 9th and May 25th