School of Arts and Sciences

Peer Leaders

photo of studentsPeer leaders are undergraduates who facilitate study groups to help other students learn. These study groups are offered for large, introductory courses in the natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics). Peer leaders attend lectures for the classes they support so that they can then prepare and conduct study sessions. Each peer leader meets with his or her faculty mentor regularly to discuss and establish the content of study sessions and to review study materials or worksheets the peer leader prepares for use in study sessions.

The Peer Led Study Group program (PLSG) is coordinated though the Office of Experiential Learning (OEL). A peer leader must have earned a B or better in the class he or she will support and must complete ARTSC 0910 Seminar in Peer Helping (1 credit) in the semester prior to becoming a peer leader. The 910 Seminar in Peer Helping is offered in both fall and spring terms.

Peer leaders are paid through a fixed stipend that is determined by attendance at lectures and the number of study group sessions conducted each week. The professors who teach the courses supported by PLSG select the peer leaders to support their classes and evaluate their work.

FOR THOSE APPLYING TO BE PEER LEADERS

  • Most important of all: have an interest in helping other students learn!
  • Have a B or better in the class you are supporting as a Peer Leader
  • Take the ARTSC 0910 Seminar in Peer Helping (1 credit) in the semester prior to becoming a Peer Leader

Responsibilities of Peer Leaders

  • Meet with your faculty mentor each week to discuss and establish the content in your study sessions (e.g. use of homework assignment or preparation of worksheets)
  • Prepare for and conduct scheduled study sessions as required
  • Submit any worksheets to faculty member for review and approval prior to study group session
  • Attend lecture (if required by faculty mentor)
  • Turn in to OEL (B-4 Thaw) by Monday following your study session: attendance sheets and handout(s) or lesson plan you used in the class
  • Maintain a professional attitude about matters such as class standards, grades and student complaints
  • Announce and publicize your study sessions to the class
  • Model appropriate professional attitudes and behaviors to staff, students and others
  • Notify your students and faculty mentor in advance if you cannot conduct a session or attend a lecture

With other Peer Leaders you will attend mandatory meetings with program supervisors and peer coordinators (2 per semester), attend a debriefing session at the end of each semester with the Peer Coordinator, and observe one other peer leader during the semester.

Peer Leaders will not be involved in grading papers, quizzes, or exams for the supported course; preparing actual test questions; or criticizing the professor or class.

Application Process

  1. Complete an interest form (PDF) indicating which course you have completed and would like to support as a peer leader
  2. Prepare a one-page (max) cover letter indicating why you would like to be a peer leader. Address your letter to: Faculty Coordinator, Peer Led Study Group Program.
  3. Return the interest form and cover letter to the OEL (B-4 Thaw Hall) as soon as possible and we will schedule you for an interview with the Faculty Coordinator for your subject area.
Top