Join Our Team, 2025-26
Now Accepting Applications for the 2025-26 AY!
* NOTE: The hiring process will take place in two (2) phases. Click on the Hiring Timeline dropdown for more information on key dates specific to the student assistant position for which you are interested in applying to.
These positions are exclusively for current Cal Poly Scholars who are positive, motivated, collaborative and want to make a difference in the lives of fellow Scholars.
You can learn more about the experiences of our current Student Assistants from the 2025-26 hiring posts on our Instagram (@calpolyscholars).
HIRING TIMELINE
| Key Dates & DEADLINES | |
|---|---|
|
JANUARY 21 |
Application Period Opens for the positions listed below:
TIP: Type your responses in another document, then paste them into a newly opened application. If you have the application open for too long, the system may sign you out and not submit your responses. |
|
JANUARY 30, 11:10 a.m.- 12:40 p.m.
|
'Info Session & Student Assistant Panel' via Zoom at https://calpoly.zoom.us/j/85777046234 for the following positions: Communications Assistant, Lead Scholar Mentor, Program Assistant Couldn't attend the (virtual) Info Session on January 30? Use the following link and passcode to watch the recording. Link: https://calpoly.zoom.us/rec/share/ptOyeRcIbQTVbN5IiU5f20wQzRmskZCdJ59bmmu-Sjev8PqvRREfNvRRIgL2tM1k.8cTdCeTul0SZJqOM?startTime=1738264232000 Passcode: zV1Sp&J0 |
|
FEBRUARY 09, 11:59 p.m.
|
Application period closes for the following positions: Communications Assistant, Lead Scholar Mentor, Program Assistant |
|
FEBRUARY 24 - 28 (approx.)
|
Interviews for the following positions: Communications Assistant, Lead Scholar Mentor, Program Assistant |
|
MARCH 5 (approx.)
|
Hiring decision notifications will be sent via email for the following positions: Communications Assistant, Lead Scholar Mentor, Program Assistant |
| FEBRUARY 19 |
Application Period Opens for the positions listed below:
TIP: Type your responses in another document, then paste them into a newly opened application. If you have the application open for too long, the system may sign you out and not submit your responses. |
|
FEBRUARY 27, 11:10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m |
'Info Session & Student Assistant Panel' via Zoom at https://calpoly.zoom.us/j/81623607148 for the following positions: Learning Assistants, Scholar Mentors |
|
MARCH 16, 11:59 p.m. |
Application Period Closes for the following positions: Learning & Front Desk Assistants, Scholar Mentors |
|
APRIL 14-18 (approx.) |
Group Interviews for the following positions: Scholar Mentors, Learning Assistants |
| APRIL 23 (approx.) | Hiring decision notifications will be sent via email for the following positions: Scholar Mentors, Learning Assistants |
POSITION DESCRIPTIONS & APPLICATIONS
| Position Descriptions | Applications |
|---|---|
| Communications Assistant Position Description |
Communications Assistant Application - Due by Feb.9 @ 11:59 p.m. |
| Lead Scholar Mentor* Position Description |
Lead Scholar Mentor* Application - Due by Feb. 9 @ 11:59 p.m. |
Learning Assistant Position Description |
Learning Assistant Application - Due by March 16 by 11:59 p.m. |
| Program Assistant Position Description |
- Due by Feb. 9 @ 11:59 p.m. |
| Scholar Mentor Position Description |
- Due by March 16 by 11:59 p.m. |
*Only available to those who currently hold a position with the program.
FAQs
What positions are available and what are the responsibilities?
There are 5 possible positions that all include different responsibilities!
Communication Assistants: Manage social media, digital communications, website, and advertising.
Lead Scholar Mentors: Guide, train, and support a team of Scholar Mentors as they develop relationships with new first-year and transfer scholars. (*Only available to those who currently hold a position with the program.)
Learning Assistants: Collaborate with instructor(s) to build community and engagement in University 100 for first-year Scholars. Learning Assistants are only a fall quarter position.
Program Assistants: Plan workshops, social events, and educational workshops on topics such as health and well-being, career readiness, academic success, personal finances, and more.
Scholar Mentors: Build community and belonging among a group of new first-year Scholars as they navigate life at Cal Poly. Hold 1:1’s or group gatherings with mentees, provide social and academic support for mentees throughout the year.
What is the time commitment and pay rate for each position?
Positions vary in time commitment and pay.
Communication Assistants: Approx. 8 - 15 hrs/week, $17.50/hr
Lead Scholar Mentors*: Approx. 5 hrs/week, $18.00/hr - This position is only available to those who currently hold a position with the program.
Learning Assistants: UNIV 100 (Fall only): Approx. 4 - 8 hrs/week, $17.00 /hr
Program Assistants: Approx. 8 - 15 hrs/week, $17.50/hr
Scholar Mentors: Approx. 5 hrs/week, $17.00/hr
Training pay rate will be $16.50/hr (unless currently compensated at a different rate by the Scholars program).
Can I serve in more than one student assistant position with Cal Poly Scholars?
Since many of the positions are time intensive and we want as many Scholars to have leadership positions as possible, student assistants can only hold one position at a time on the Scholars Team. If you want to be considered for multiple positions, please fill out each appropriate application.
What are the requirements (GPA, academic standing, etc.)?
- Be a current Cal Poly Scholar who is in good standing with Cal Poly and the Cal Poly Scholars program
- Enrolled as an undergraduate student for the full duration of the 2025-26 academic year. Scholars in blended 4+1 programs who begin fall with undergraduate status will also be considered
- Maintain good academic and conduct standing with the university throughout employment
How do I apply?
Use the links below depending on the position you're interested in!
- Communication Assistant Application
- Lead Scholar Mentor Application*
- Learning Assistant Application
- Program Assistant Application
- Scholar Mentor Application
* The position of Lead Scholar Mentor is only available to those who currently hold a position with the program.
Do I need to be a part of the Cal Poly Scholars program to hold a position?
Yes, you have to be a Cal Poly Scholar and started at Cal Poly Fall 2024 or earlier.
Who do I contact for questions?
For questions, please email cpscholars@calpoly.edu. You may also email the supervisor listed at the bottom of the application of the position you are interested in.
What is the timeline for the hiring process?
Wednesday, January 22 - Applications will be live for the following positions: Communication Assistant, Lead Scholar Mentor and Program Assistant.
Sunday, February 09: Applications for Communication Assistant, Lead Scholar Mentor and Program Assistant are due at 11:59 p.m.
Wednesday, February 19: Applications will be live for the following positions: Learning Assistant and Scholar Mentor.
Sunday, March 16: Applications for Learning Assistant and Scholar Mentor are due at 11:59 p.m.
Be on the lookout on our Instagram, Scholar Holler, and your Cal Poly email for more information. Applicants will be contacted directly if we're interested in scheduling an interview.
What if I have work-study... how does that work?
When you are hired, there will be forms to fill out to make sure the position counts as work-study! We will help you throughout the process to use your work-study.
Where can I learn more information on these positions?
We have information sessions you can attend to learn more or ask any questions you may have!
Information Sessions
Formal presentations clarifying the difference between roles and responsibilities, time commitment for the position, application timeline, and more!
- Communications Assistant, Lead Scholar Mentor, and Program Assistant
- Thursday, January 30 from 11:10 a.m. - 12:40 p.m. via zoom at https://calpoly.zoom.us/j/85777046234
- Learning Assistant and Scholar Mentor
- Thursday, February 27 from 11:10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. via zoom at https://calpoly.zoom.us/j/81623607148
Weren't able to attend an info session? No worries! You are also more than welcome to email cpscholars@calpoly.edu and request a link to the recording of the virtual info session.
