Job Profile Summary
Student learning is the primary responsibility of WGU faculty. Program Mentors have specialized program content and career expertise, which they use to coach and guide students through programs and support career competency development. Program Mentors are assigned a group of students and are accountable for their students' academic progress and success. Program Mentors are responsive to learner needs and vary the type, length, method, and intensity of support best matched to the learner's pace,…
strengths, and goals. Additionally, Program Mentors are experts in the WGU model and services, and they develop and deepen students' lifelong learning skills. They are organized and show exemplary written and verbal communication skills.
Time Expectations
Full-Time Program Mentors are expected to work approximately 40 hours per week but on occasion it may vary depending on needs of the assigned group of learners.
This position primarily supports the Health Professions Pre-Licensure programs.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Acts as a steward for carrying out WGU's mission and strategic vision.
- The Program Mentor must demonstrate a high level of commitment to student success as evidenced in goal setting, student outcomes, and student notes. Student success, by MSS standards, includes identifying urgent student need as displayed by LCD and Caseload tools as well as notes and documentation for each student, responding to emails and phone calls promptly, and overall attention to urgent student need.
- Offers direct, comprehensive support, coaching, and guidance to a load of assigned students.
- Provides WGU and program-level expertise to students and maintains that expertise through ongoing development activities.
- Fosters student learning through innovative and motivational teaching and coaching practices.
- Responds with urgency to meet student needs and communicates professionally and respectfully with students and all other members of the WGU community.
- Maintains a consistent, student-friendly schedule with a selection of outside hours to accommodate various student needs.
- Monitors the progress of assigned students and offers proactive support and outreach to those students.
- Uses technology-based teaching and communication platforms to aid students in their academic progress.
- Collaborates with other professionals within the university to promote a positive, student-obsessed atmosphere.
- Consistently exhibits WGU Leadership Principles.
- Maintains knowledge within assigned college.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skill and Abilities
- Well organized - conscientious and thorough with detail.
- Must demonstrate technological competency: Data entry, email, calendar, word processing, and database programs.
- Extraordinary customer service and communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal and written communication skills, with ability to present information clearly, concisely, and accurately; friendly, persuasive speaking and writing style.
- Demonstrated ability to work with diverse learner profiles.
- Ability to work a student-friendly schedule (evenings/weekends).
- This is a full-time position, and you must be able to work a student-centric schedule, which will include working 10 hours outside your time zone
Job Qualifications
Required Minimum Qualifications
- Masters or Advanced degree and all applicable licenses or certifications for a degree program.
- Active, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse
- Minimum 3 years of experience providing student support, mentoring, coaching and/or instruction.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong experience with distance education and distance learning students is preferred.
- Coaching certification (ICF ACC/PCC/MCC or similar).
- Highly preferred compact licensure
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
- Works primarily from home within the continental United States and is available to travel to meetings as required.

