# data[].attributes.headline
75%-80% of students that attending NJCU don't have a group, meaning they aren't included in any sports, clubs, or activites.  The Student Council and SOAR makes sure to reach out them and get them into a group or included.

# data[].attributes.subject
75%-80% of students that attending NJCU don't have a group, meaning they aren't included in any sports, clubs, or activites.  The Student Council and SOAR makes sure to reach out them and get them into a group or included.

# data[].attributes.body
The office of Student Outreach and Retention (SOAR) at NJCU offers a wide range of resources dedicated to assisting first year students with social, financial and academic support. The SOAR office understands that the transition from high school to college can be overwhelming, so their job is to make that transition as comfortable as possible.

# data[].attributes.body
If being paired with a mentor isn't your thing, SOAR also offers opportunities to schedule personalized one on one meetings with staff members to discuss any concerns or to seek any advice. This also can include meetings with parents. To reach out, simply email SOAR at soar@njcu.edu !

# data[].attributes.body
Soar offers a $500 textbook grant to 1st year freshman's for the whole first year and it can be used at the book store in GSUB to get textbooks for class. To qualify you have to have a family income of $65,000 or less, have filed your 2021-22 FAFSA, and be a first time freshman

# data[].attributes.headline
SOAR Staff (Tracy Nelson, Francis Laing, and Veronica Garcia)

# data[].attributes.subject
SOAR Staff (Tracy Nelson, Francis Laing, and Veronica Garcia)

# data[].attributes.headline
SOAR Staff Member Veronica Garcia's Message to Any Student Afraid to Reach Out

# data[].attributes.subject
SOAR Staff Member Veronica Garcia's Message to Any Student Afraid to Reach Out

# data[].attributes.headline
What if I want to become a peer mentor after my freshman year?

# data[].attributes.subject
What if I want to become a peer mentor after my freshman year?

# data[].attributes.body
Signing up to be a mentor is actually very simple and requires some basic qualifications: full time upperclassmen at NJCU with a GPA of 2.75 or above, good reputation within NJCU (no suspensions or violations), understanding of the resources available at NJCU, and overall good interpersonal skills.

Being a peer mentor has its benefits as well, it is a competitive paid position that would look great on any resume. Moreover, being a mentor allows you to network with both students and faculty, creating various opportunities to make meaningful connections in and out of the classroom. If interested, being a peer mentor at NJCU opens to the door to potentially becoming a nationally certified peer mentor.

Application to become a peer mentor:  https://www.njcu.edu/directories/offices-centers/student-outreach-and-retention-soar/become-rising-knight-peer-mentor

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
How to become a Rising Knight Peer Mentor

Rising Knight Peer Mentors are experienced upperclassmen who develop meaningful relationships with their mentees. Peer Mentors attend bi-weekly trainings to develop strategies to alleviate initial isolation, increase student involvement, and providing mentees with encouragement to strive for success. Peer Mentors assist with the successful transition of their mentees into the University by communicating with them throughout the year, identifying personal challenges, and referring student issues to SOAR staff for timely intervention.

Preferred Qualifications:

Full time student with a 2.75 cumulative GPA

NJCU Rising Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors

In good standing with the University

Knowledgeable of campus resources

Excellent interpersonal skills

Benefits of Being a Mentor:

Become a nationally certified peer mentor!

Receive competitive hourly rate with flexible scheduling!

Gain experience to enhance your resume!

Learn valuable student engagement strategies!

Network with faculty, staff, and students!

Mentor Responsibilities:

Assessing the needs of student mentees and providing support and encouragement

Serving as a guide to cultural, social, and personal concerns/challenges

Set-up meet-and-greet with students

Stay in contact with students throughout the academic year

Attend mandatory trainings and bi-weekly meetings

Attend all Rising Knight events

Students interested in applying, are required to complete and submit the following:
The 2021-2022 Rising Knight Mentor Application is Now Open.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2021
Interested applicants should also submit two references to SOAR@njcu.edu. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Rising Knight Peer Mentoring Program, please contact Ms. Francis Laing, at flaing@njcu.edu.

How to Contact Us

SOAR is open and operating virtually! Staff are happy and looking forward to assisting you!

Staff Available:
Monday-Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Phone: 201-503-4922
Text: 201-484-5029
Email: soar@njcu.edu

Virtual Meetings Are Available Via: Zoom & FaceTime!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Rising Knight Peer Mentors are experienced upperclassmen who develop meaningful relationships with their mentees. Peer Mentors attend bi-weekly trainings to develop strategies to alleviate initial isolation, increase student involvement, and providing mentees with encouragement to strive for success.

# data[].attributes.body
One of the most essential components about being a peer mentor are the calling campaigns they engage in with the student they are assigned to. Because it may be awkward at first to pair two students with each other, the calling campaigns serve to establish personal connections. Throughout the school year, the mentor will call the student to inform them about essential dates such as the opening of FASFA or the deadline for add/drop week. During these phone calls, the students can ask as many questions as they want. Furthermore, mentors can refer their mentees to specific locations on campus that suits their needs, like the Tutoring Hub. Lastly, peer mentors know that socializing as a freshman can be daunting, so they do their best to encourage their mentees to attend school events and may even accompany them if needed.

# data[].attributes.body
Around the third week of August, right as the nerves for the beginning of college my be setting in, a freshman will recieve a call from the SOAR office about their assigned peer mentor. This is the start of the Rising Knight Peer Mentoring Program, where freshman are paired with an experienced upperclassmen who can guide the student through their freshmen year, both socially and academically. The pairing isn't a randomized process, as SOAR will try to uniquely pair freshman with an upperclassmen that has the same major or lives in the same area.

# data[].attributes.body
Where is Soar located?
-Vodra Hall, Room 101

How long is Soar open ?
-9am-5pm (Monday-Friday)

What services does Soar provide for students?
-Mentoring Program, Financial Assitance, Personal Developing Meetings and Protective outreach

# data[].attributes.body
Soar helped me with my financial aid. They told me about the textbook grant which helped with buying the textbooks. They also helped me decide if I wanted to keep the loans that I had. They were nice, weren't judgemental, and made sure I got done what I needed to before leaving.

# data[].attributes.headline
Peer Mentor Mabel Sanchez on Her Favorite Part About Working With SOAR

# data[].attributes.subject
Peer Mentor Mabel Sanchez on Her Favorite Part About Working With SOAR

# data[].attributes.body
"My favorite part about my job is honestly just working with the students. I was a first generation college student in my family so when I see students who are in the same position me, I'm able to give them all the knowledge I didn't have."