What is a Fall Peer Leader?

Peer Leaders are successful upperclass students who are involved in campus life and have an outstanding academic track record. They attend all sessions of their assigned Freshman Seminar class and assist in the planning and implementation of the course content. Most importantly, Peer Leaders serve as a bridge between the instructor and students, assist in facilitating class discussions, communicate with students outside of class, provide feedback to the instructor, serve as a guide to campus resources, and serve as role models for academic, co-curricular, and leadership behaviors.

For anyone interested, there will be a Student Leadership Fair on Wednesday, January 24, 11:00am-3:00pm in the Plemmons Student Union (room to be determined). We will also be holding a Peer Leader Information Session on Wednesday, January 31, 6:30pm-7:30 pm in the MacRae Peak room of the Student Union.

In preparation for the position, new Peer Leaders are required to attend Peer Leader Training. This year's training session will take place Friday, March 30, 4:00pm-8:00pm and Saturday, March 31, 9:00am-4:00pm. All materials and meals will be provided.

What kinds of things have Peer Leaders done in the past?

Each instructor and Peer Leader relationship is unique. There is no one formula for success. Both the Peer Leader and instructor determine the ways in which Peer Leaders will contribute to the success of the class. A list of the most common tasks that Peer Leaders undertake includes:

• Facilitate group discussions (especially about such topics as relationships, alcohol, ASU specific issues)
• Read and respond to journals/admit cards
• Relate personal experiences
• Call students who miss class
• Confirm what the instructor is saying (Peer Leaders can add instant credibility to the instructor's words.)
• Share ways in which they have been successful (for example, the ways they take notes, study for tests, write papers, etc.)
• Model appropriate behavior and civility
• Organize service projects
• Organize out-of-class activities (cultural events, trips, meals)

Benefits of Being a Peer Leader:

• Three hours of graded course credit and speaking (S) designator for HPC 3150
• Experience in leadership, facilitating discussions, and planning a successful learning environment for others
• Accomplishment of performing a public/university service for its intrinsic value
• Written reference for future job applications
• Intrinsic satisfaction in helping Appalachian freshmen become a part of the ASU Family
• Improved communication skills
• Resume builder

Peer Leader Selection Criteria:
Preference will be given to Appalachian students who have demonstrated the following:

• Interest in helping fellow students be successful
• Academic success at Appalachian measured by a minimum GPA of 2.8
• History of involvement in campus life, preferably in positions of student leadership
• Sensitivity to and interest in issues of diversity
• Enthusiasm for the University, its students, staff, faculty, and academic and co-curricular life
• Willingness and ability to model appropriate behaviors, goal setting, etc., for new students
• Willingness to encourage other students to achieve the ideals suggested by Appalachian's Mission Statement
• Achievement of minimum of junior standing by fall semester