The Graduate Peer Ministry Program
office of residential life
Departments:
Campus Ministry & Residential Life
Position/Title
Graduate Peer Minister
Description/Responsibilities
The Peer Minister (PM) is a full-time graduate student who lives in the Boston College first-year residence halls and ministers to undergraduate students. He/she is among the staff members who have the most direct and constant contact with undergraduate students. The Peer Minister’s role within the BC community is very dynamic, and he/she serves as an integral part of the Offices of Residential Life and Campus Ministry. His/her primary responsibility is to provide pastoral care for the residence hall community by enhancing the spiritual, social, intellectual, and vocational formation of their residents. The Peer Minister articulates for students the Jesuit mission and philosophy of the University. As a mentor, advocate, pastoral presence and role-model to the undergraduates, each Peer Minister brings his or her own personal gifts of ministry to the position. Whether leading a small faith community, accompanying a group of students on an international service trip, or planning an interactive program, the Peer Minister’s journey alongside first-year students, and serve as conversation partners along the way.
The Peer Minister attends weekly hall staff meetings, serves on the liturgical planning teams for Sunday night Mass, and works closely with Campus Ministry and Residential Life to facilitate inclusive communities that are consistent with the Catholic and Jesuit mission of Boston College. In addition to his/her primary focus of providing pastoral care to residential students, the Peer Minister participates in other Campus Ministry and University wide initiatives that he/she finds to be of interest and meaning.
I. Provides Pastoral Care for Students:
a. Articulates for students and staff the Jesuit mission and philosophy of the University
b. Enhances the formation of their students through:
i. Discussing spiritual and religious matters through informal conversations, small group faith sharing, and participation in service activities
ii. Socializing with students in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere- the dining hall, intramurals, meditation, over coffee, yoga, watching movies, etc.
iii. Showing an interest in students’ educational, intellectual, and vocational goals
iv. Making self available to students during crisis or in time of need and making referrals to appropriate resources as needed- University Counseling Center, ministerial resources, Academic Advising Center, etc.
c. Participates in and promotes campus ministry resources
d. Advocates on behalf of students and staff in regards to well-being, misconduct, and academics
II. Maintains the Essence of an Inclusive Community:
a. Sustains an engaged community by knowing, supporting, and challenging the students living in his/her community
b. Develops a welcoming community that creates a sense of belonging and affirmation
c. Encourages and sets an example for students to demonstrate respect, friendship, personal accountability, and growth
d. Facilitates and encourages dialogue and respect for all students with diverse backgrounds and experiences
e. Integrates the community with other freshmen activities and service opportunities
III. Maintains a Strong Presence for their residential Community:
a. Makes self regularly available and visible in the community
b. Develops appropriate individual relationships with students
c. Maintains consistent and effective communication with students
d. Facilitation of small group discussions
e. Serves as a conversation partner for students and staff to assist in their formational development
f. Engages in programs and events
IV. Serves as a Mentor and Role Model:
a. Promotes intelligent, respectful, and honest conversations regarding self and others
b. Challenges students and provides opportunities for reflection on individual decision-making and behaviors
c. Demonstrates responsible, ethical decision-making
V. Engages in Intentional and Consistent Contact with the residential staff:
a. Actively participates in staff development activities
b. Provides reflective and advocacy-based activities for personal support of the RA staff
c. Collaborates with the staff on development of programs and information sharing in order to best serve the residents
VI. General Ministerial Responsibilities:
a. Attends weekly RA and Peer Ministry staff meetings
b. Collaborates with other Peer Ministers regarding liturgical, ministerial activities, and service-related activities
c. Serves on liturgical teams for Mass
d. Assisting with the organization of the Beginnings Retreat for first-year students
Qualifications
- The Peer Minister position is open to full-time graduate students at Boston College. Preference may be given to graduate students in the School of Theology and Ministry, Social Work or Higher Education programs
- Candidates must have knowledge of, experience in, and enthusiasm for both Residential Life and Campus Ministry programs
- Applicants must possess a strong desire to serve, an outgoing personality, strength in balancing multiple tasks, and be at ease when working with different groups
- Successful candidates will be dynamic with excellent interpersonal skills, practice effective time management, have the ability to articulate their faith, and have a passionate desire to minister and serve college students
Start/End Date: August 2, 2013 – May 20, 2014
Stipend/wage info:
Compensation
Tuition Remission & Stipend: Peer Ministers receive full tuition remission in the amount of 15 credits per academic year as well as an eight month stipend of approximately $262.50/month.
Room and Board: Peer Ministers are provided with a traditional sized first year area furnished room, cable, internet access and a University meal plan during their academic year appointment. Returning Peer Ministers may be permitted to reside on campus during the summer in exchange for working 15 hours per week.
Medical: Peer Ministers are eligible to receive medical benefits for the academic year as determined by the University’s health plan for graduate students.
Other Commitments:The University regards a graduate student who accepts a Peer Ministry position as making a significant commitment that may limit or preclude acceptance of other employment within or outside the University, or acceptance of major offices in campus organizations or activities. Any such plans on the part of the applicant should be disclosed and discussed in the interview process. Outside employment or substantial commitments should be approved in advance by the Residential Life Administrator and the Campus Minister who supervise the program.
Application Process & Contact Information
To submit a formal application, please address the three questions below, send an updated resume, and the contact information for three references to peerministry@bc.edu. Again, your application should contain the responses to the following three questions
1. Why do you feel called to minister and serve college students in a residential setting?
2. What characteristics and experiences do you possess that will help make you an effective peer minister?
3. How will your faith and spirituality serve to assist you in the role of a peer minister at Boston College?
Process Timeline
February 11, 2013 - Search Opens
March 25, 2013- Deadline for applications
March 29th, 2013 - Decisions made for candidates who will receive on-campus interviews
April 3 – April 26, 2013 - On-Campus interviews conducted
April 29 – May 3, 2013 – Peer Ministry position offers extended, process closed.
For further information please visit: www.bc.edu/peerministry
Emails should be sent to: peerministry@bc.edu
Contact Information
Christopher Darcy, Office of Campus Ministry and Residential Life
darcych@bc.edu
617-552-4957