What is a Peer Leader?

Peer Leaders are students chosen to work with First Seminar professors to assist the transition of students to Allegheny College. A Peer Leader is the first person to greet new students when they arrive on campus for Orientation and then works with those same students in the First Seminar. Peer Leaders are students with two or more semesters of experience at Allegheny who are in good standing with the College, both academically and socially, and who can provide helpful advice to new students. Selected Peer Leaders are expected to attend a three-day training prior to the start of the orientation program, guide their First Seminar students throughout Orientation, participate in Orientation program planning and implementation, and support their First Seminar professor throughout the First Seminar course. The exact nature of the relationship of the Peer Leader to the First Seminar will vary depending on the needs of the instructor. In many cases, Peer Leaders will attend the FS 101 and receive academic credit for their work with the faculty member.

Criteria for a Peer Leader
Peer Leaders are expected:

• to be interested in working with first-year students in the context of orientation and FS 101
• to be in good academic standing with Allegheny College
• to have completed two or more semesters of full time academic work at Allegheny
• to demonstrate effective learning strategies (e.g., class participation, timely completion of work, seeking assistance when needed)
• to have exhibited behaviors of a responsible member of the Allegheny community
• to provide evidence of significant involvement in the college community in student organizations, athletic teams, honor societies, music or theater, community service, or other activities
• to exhibit knowledge of campus resources
• to be willing and able to serve as an appropriate role model to incoming students

Benefits of Being a Peer Leader
A Peer Leader receives the following compensation:

• Payment for participation in training and orientation.
• Room and board during training and orientation.
• The possibility of receiving academic credit ranging from 2-4 hours depending on an instructor's needs for the course and the Peer Leader's interest in receiving credit. Credit is negotiated with the faculty member with whom the Peer Leader is working.
• Documented leadership experience for inclusion on a resume.

Timeline of Activities

• Applications for Peer Leader are due to The Learning Commons by March 10.
• FS 101 instructors will receive a list of students interested in serving as Peer Leaders in their course by Monday, March 24.
• FS 101 instructors will complete selection of Peer Leaders by April 7 and forward the names of the Peer Leaders for their course to Keri Fadden.
• Peer Leaders meet on the first Study Day, April 30.
• In July, Peer Leaders send a welcome letter to assigned students in their FS 101.
• Attend Peer Leader training August 21-22.
• Peer Leaders participate in Orientation August 23-27.
• Additional expectations are set by the FS101 instructor.