• Assist freshmen in learning about the academic and social aspects of life at Adelphi University.
• Familiarize new students with the resources that are available to them.
• Serve as role models for freshmen and make them feel more comfortable in their role as college students.

The Division of Student Affairs will select a group of mature, dedicated and supportive undergraduate students who have shown a commitment to fostering academic and social success to the University community.  PALs will be assigned to a Freshmen Orientation Experience (FOrE) section in the fall and will work with instructors to provide a meaningful introduction for freshmen to the University.  Selection as a PAL is competitive and requires knowledge of university resources, policies and procedures. 

Qualifications:

• Exhibited leadership experience and potential for growth.
• Good academic standing, with a minimum grade point average of 2.5.
• Good judicial standing with no current serious judicial sanctions.
• Knowledge of University resources (both academic and social).
• Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with student groups and faculty members.
• Demonstrated desire to learn about the University community, programs, policies and procedures.

Roles and Responsibilities:
As representatives of Adelphi University, Peer Assistant Leaders (PALs) have many responsibilities.  PALs are expected to have the interpersonal skills necessary for dealing with new students, both individually and in groups. They must be friendly, outgoing and articulate. While potentially being a friend and mentor to new students, PALs will also communicate and uphold Adelphi University policies and any special rules or guidelines. They will be expected to report any student whose conduct is deemed inappropriate and/or infringing upon the rights of others to their FOrE instructor and/or the Assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs. PALs should serve as positive role models in all they do and promote positive campus spirit.

In addition, Peer Assistant Leaders will:

• Attend two training sessions to familiarize themselves with the workings of the Freshmen Orientation Experience (FOrE) course.
• Attend and facilitate a group discussion with their FOrE class on Matriculation Day on August 22.
• Attend each of the fifteen (15) FOrE classes scheduled for the semester.
• Make an effort to get to know new freshmen (both in and out of the classroom); reach out as often as possible to make them feel at home.
• Be a resource for new freshmen; help them to resolve problems and/or concerns which may arise throughout the semester.
• Disseminate information to the assigned FOrE class regarding upcoming campus events.
• Encourage freshmen to participate in student activities, campus programs and cultural events (invite them to join you at something you will be attending).
• Keep a log of activities and reflections on the PAL position, and submit a completed attendance sheet/log every two weeks to the Assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs.
• Attend the two (2) regularly scheduled PAL meetings during the semester in order to evaluate the progress of the program.
• Work with the FOrE instructor to define your role further in the class.

Peer Assistant Leaders must be registered, full-time students for the Spring 2008 semester, and they must remain in good academic and disciplinary standing.

Peer Assistant Leaders must be present and on time without exception for all scheduled training sessions and meetings, including Matriculation Day (August 22).

If all requirements are met, Peer Assistant Leaders will receive a one-time stipend of $300 for their work.  If vital components of the role of the Peer Assistant Leader are not met, the Assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs has the authority to impose sanctions for failure to meet these requirements, which may include withholding part or all of the Peer Assistant Leader stipend, or termination as a Peer Assistant Leader.  The implementation of these sanctions is at the discretion of the Assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs.  Peer Assistant Leaders who fail to meet the requirements of this program will receive a warning prior to implementation of these sanctions unless the violation is serious, in which case termination from the program may be immediate.

Applications are available for pick up in UC 110, or by clicking on Apply Now, you may complete the process online.

Center for Student Involvement
University Center Room 110
Adelphi University
P.O. BOX 701
Garden City, NY 11530-0701
p - 516.877.3603
f - 516.877.3659
e - csi@adelphi.edu

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