Mosaic Peer Educator Program
Mosaic Peer Educators -Teaching Everyone About Multiculturalism Through Courageous Conversations
What is a Mosaic Peer Educator?
Do I have to be a minority to be a Mosaic Peer Educator?
What is the Mosaic Peer Educator Program?
Are Mosaic Peer Educators trained?
When are training dates for Mosaic Peer Educators?
What will the Mosaic Peer Educator Training entail?
How can faculty participate?
How many Mosaic Peer Educators are needed for Courageous Conversations?
Is there compensation for being a Mosaic Peer Educator?
What benefits are there for me to be a Mosaic Peer Educator?
Do I have to know anything about diversity to be in SPIRIT @ the Mount Program or a Mosaic Peer Educator?
What does it take to be a Mosaic Peer Educator?
What opportunities exist for Mosaic Peer Educators?
How do I sign up to be a Mosaic Peer Educator?
What is a Mosaic Peer Educator?
A Mosaic Peer Educator (MPE) is a trained and certified undergraduate student knowledgeable on issues of diversity affecting the Mount, the community and society as a whole. They are personable students who collaborate to offer programs and other services to the Mount community from a peer to peer standpoint.
Do I have to be a minority to be a Mosaic Peer Educator?
Absolutely not! We expect participation from 5-6 diverse students of the Mount, including all ethnic groups if at all possible. When looking to spread the word of diversity and assist students in creating a place that is not only accepting but realistic, we seek a student group who is multicultural in their opinions and in their appearance. There is no particular number of students that we seek from each ethnic group however we hope to have at least 1 peer educator who represents each ethnic group here at the Mount.
What is the Mosaic Peer Educator Program?
The Mosaic Peer Educator Program is designed to encourage students to dialogue with each other on the importance of diversity at the Mount. Mosaic Peer Educators (MPEs) are undergraduate students, who have been trained by the Center for Student Diversity. MPEs will provide basic information, define terms, test myths and correct misunderstandings, and encourage other students to explore how their lives are enriched by our human diversity.
Students are encouraged by the Mosaic Peer Educators to step out of their comfort zones by engaging in "Courageous Conversations" and venturing into the world of the varied student groups at the Mount and in the surrounding community. Together, students and the MPEs will engage in discussions on how they can personally contribute to the creation of a campus environment that is both welcoming to everyone, and inclusive of the diverse students on our campus. MPEs will also serve as the primary facilitators of the Center for Student Diversity Mountward Bound experience (Unity) as well as ongoing mentors to first-year student participants.
Are Mosaic Peer Educators trained?
Yes, Mosaic Peer Educators will go through extensive training before they are certified to facilitate workshops, training, and the CSD Mountward Bound program at Mount St. Mary's University. Training is facilitated by the Center for Student Diversity Staff at Mount St. Mary's on a range of topics. On occasion, outside facilitators and guests also assist with training.
When are training dates for Mosaic Peer Educators?
Mandatory training for Mosaic Peer Educators will be held. Currently the dates of training are TBD but will take place at Mount Saint Mary's University; All material(s) will be supplied, free of charge.
What will the Mosaic Peer Training entail?
Some topics to be covered during training include the following:
Prejudice, bias, and bigotry
Dissecting Diversity
Power & Privilege
Defining the -isms and schisms
Building and Sustaining Inclusive Communities
Developing the skill of facilitation
How many Mosaic Peer Educators are needed for Courageous Conversations?
We are looking for 5-6 Mosaic Peer Educators for our entire MPE program. Mosaic Peer Educators can pair up or create teams to facilitate Courageous Conversations. MPE's are also in charge of various programming and student activity facilitation.
How can faculty participate?
Because our purpose is to create a cooperative experience for the Mount students, we are not asking faculty to facilitate any of the Mosaic Peer Dialogues (i.e. Courageous Conversations). Faculty are welcome to attend any of the open sessions hosted by the Mosaic Peer Educators throughout the year.
Is there compensation for being a Mosaic Peer Educator?
There is no monetary compensation for being a Mosaic Peer Educator however there are a host of other valuable and educational benefits.
What benefits are there for me to be a Mosaic Peer Educator?
By being a Mosaic Peer Educator, there are a host of great opportunities out there, such as:
Be a part of an exceptional group of trained and certified Mount students
Become versed on topics of social justice and diversity
Develop skills in public speaking, presentation and work shop facilitation
Serve as an ambassador of diversity at the Mount
Equip your peers with the tools to create a more inclusive campus
Meet new people
Be a part of this new and unique peer program at the Mount
Be a role model
Train others to be Mosaic Peer Educators
Did we mention that it is a great resume builder?
Attend area workshops and conferences at minimal costs to develop further skills.
Do I have to know anything about diversity to be in SPIRIT @ the Mount Program or a Mosaic Peer Educator?
No diversity training is necessary! All that we ask is that you come with an open mind, to learn about all of the material we have to offer, an open heart to receive the information but also share feedback about your experiences, background and other knowledge and a passion for action, meaning you are in the business of getting down to business and you are ready for progressive change in the Mount community. We will do the rest to train you.
What does it take to be a Mosaic Peer Educator?
In order to be a Mosaic Peer Educator, you must maintain the following qualifications:
Be in good academic standing with the University
A minimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA
Have strong oral and written communications skills
Currently a sophomore, junior or senior
Exhibit a commitment to diversity
Display a willingness to learn more about topics and issues of diversity
Have a willingness to enhance presentation skills
Complete the Mosaic Peer Educator application
Complete an interview
Attend all training sessions
Be available during the summer, fall and spring for workshop opportunities (you will know of summer dates in advance)
Have completed the Student Leadership Certification Program (or will complete the semester following hiring)
What opportunities exist for Mosaic Peer Educators?
Peer Educators are responsible for hosting the following:
Coordinate and facilitate the Center for Student Diversity Mountward Bound Orientation Program ("Unity")
Facilitate Diversity Training for Mount Student Organizations (SGA, Resident Assistants, Orientation, etc.)
Facilitate Diversity Activities at the Mount (New Student Orientation, Back to School Week, etc.)
Co-Facilitate Courageous Conversations
Co-Facilitate with the Center for Student Diversity to sponsor Diversity Programming (Film Screenings, Community Builders, etc.)
How do I sign up to be a Mosaic Peer Educator?
Download the PDF for the Mosaic Peer Educator. Complete and return to the Center for Student Diversity before the end of the application period.
