First-Year Experience

Peer Leader Program

Please note:  The information on this page pertains to the Peer Leader program.  To learn more about the additional responsibilities of Peer Mentors, click here.

Overview

Peer Leaders serve as teaching assistants in FYE 1220, the First-Year Experience orientation course that will replace GSU 1210 in Fall 2008.  Peer Leaders encourage students to take charge of their college experience and to be proactive in overcoming obstacles to their success.  Peer Leaders are role models for first-year students.  They may also alert instructors to serious problems for which intervention may be necessary.

To learn about how the change in the orientation program may affect your previous understanding of peer leading,
see "Peer Leading in the FYE 1220."

Specific Responsibilities of the Peer Leader
  • Help students to get to know each other by initiating icebreakers and team builders and facilitating class discussion.
  • Communicate with the students about upcoming events; explain University policy; answer questions about Georgia Southern.
  • Facilitate students’ involvement on campus by sharing personal experiences.
  • Refer students to appropriate resources and professionals on campus based on their needs.
  • Serve as a resource to the orientation faculty member by communicating students’ needs, organizing classes, and presenting material.
Time Commitments
  • Attend eight hours of Peer Leader training
  • Attend sessions of the orientation class during fall semester (specific time commitments differ from section to section;
    see "Peer Leading in the New FYE 1220").
  • Meet regularly with the instructor to prepare for class
  • Respond to student email or journals
Academic Requirements
  • Adjusted GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Minimum grade of B in GSU 1210
  • Clear judicial record
What's in it for Me?

Peer Leaders may receive credit on their service transcript for their participation in the Peer Leader program.  More important than this credit, however, are the intangible benefits. Being a Peer Leader provides practical skills and experiences to hone leadership skills and learn more about Georgia Southern. It also allows student leaders to get to know a faculty member well, which can come in handy when students need a strong letter of reference for graduate school, jobs, or internships.

Application Process

Applications to be a Peer Leader are due February 11.  To apply students must submit an application through the Student Employment Center and an additional application specific to the Peer Leader/Peer Mentor process.  If you have additional questions about the Peer Leader program, contact Stacy Shore at sshore-gw@georgiasouthern.edu.

Timeline for Fall 2008 Selection

Peer Leaders, Fall 2007

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