The I-PERSIST (Integrative Program for Education, Research, and Support Involving Science and Technology) Mentor program is an initiative of the School of Science and the Division of Student Life. As part of the program, first-year students who are registered for Calculus I, Chemistry I, or Physics I during the fall semester of their first year at RPI are assigned into small groups that meet weekly throughout the semester. These sessions are run by an undergraduate student mentor and focus on skill-building and subject-specific academic support. Mentors have demonstrated mastery of academic content and undergo special training to provide support in transitioning to college and academic life at Rensselaer.
For more information, contact the Office of First Year Experience.
Become an I-PERSIST Mentor
Mentors for Fall 2025 are currently being recruited. The online application should be completed no later than Sunday, January 30, 2025. Please review the below Application Process Information prior to applying. The link to apply is in that section.
You do not have to be a Math, Chemistry, or Physics major to be a mentor. Mentors come from all majors who have done well in the subjects and enjoy sharing their knowledge with others.
Mentors are expected to spend an average of 8 - 10 hours per week on mentoring. This includes:
- Leading two mentoring sessions per week (approximately 8-10 students per session)
- Attending one weekly supervisory meeting with subject faculty and Student Success staff
- Being available for two study hours per week to provide extra help to mentees
- Preparing for their weekly sessions
In order to be considered, all candidates must:
- Be in good judicial and academic standing at Rensselaer
- Demonstrate strong academic performance in the subject(s) for which they are applying to mentor
- Be enrolled as a full-time, undergraduate student
Please note: Although candidates may apply to mentor both subjects, they will only be selected to mentor one. This decision is made after consulting the faculty and applicant.
Mentors will earn two academic credits in the subject area for which they mentor.
The application for Fall 2025 mentor positions is currently available. The application link is above in the "Become an I-PERSIST Mentor" section.
Step 1:
Complete an online application prior to Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 11:59pm. If you are interested in applying after the deadline, please contact the Office of First Year Experience at FYE@rpi.edu.
As part of the application process, new candidates are required to upload a cover letter and resume. Please prepare these prior to starting the online application.
- Each document must be 1-full page in length. Please make sure to proofread your cover letter and resume before uploading. We strongly recommend having your resume reviewed by the Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD) and cover letter reviewed by the Center for Global Communication & Design. Both are free, on-campus resources.
Your cover letter must address the following topics:
- Why would you like to work with first-year students as an I-PERSIST Mentor. Be sure to address academics.
- How would you address the academic and social needs of students?
- How would you engage first-year students in the campus environment (academically and socially)?
- Please mention any additional experiences and unique qualities you possess that you feel are relevant to the position.
Step 2:
- All first-time Chemistry mentor applicants are required to take a quiz. Information about where and when to take the quiz, as well as a review sheet, is emailed to applicants once a completed application is received.
- Physics mentor applicants do not take a Physics quiz.
Step 3:
Selected applicants be contacted to interview with Student Life staff and subject-specific faculty in mid-February. Applicants will be asked to work through a subject-specific problem as part of the faculty interview process.
All selected mentors are required to complete training. Training consists of remote and in-person sessions. Below is an overview of approximately when training for 2025 will occur. (More specific training dates will be posted when determined.):
- During an April 2025 Reading Day: In-person mentor orientation for all mentors
- Late June/Early July: Remote training session for new mentors. This includes a video assignment connects returning mentors with new mentors.
- August 2025: The day prior to training. Return to campus to be ready for in-person training. (Arrangements for early move-in to the residence halls are coordinated by FYE.)
- August 2025 : 2 days of in-person training. Typically 2 - 3 days prior to the first day of classes. This includes subject-specific disucssions.
We strongly encourage mentors to plan ahead to avoid conflicts on training days. Training is required to be completed in its entirety prior to the beginning of the fall semester. Mentors will not be exempted from August I-PERSIST training for any Navigating Rensselaer and Beyond (NRB) activities.
