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Apply to be a Peer Assistant Leader

Important Information You Need to Know Before Applying

The role of a Peer Assistant Leader (PAL) is to serve as a link between incoming students and the University to assist in the transition in the college experience.  The goals of the Peer Assistant Leader program include:  
  • 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 Adelphi.  Selection as a PAL is competitive and requires knowledge of University resources, policies and procedures. 

Qualifications:

  • Must be a currently enrolled undergraduate student, having completed two semesters.
  • 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 University policies, and any necessary 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 meetings/training sessions to familiarize themselves with the workings of the Freshmen Orientation Experience (FOrE) course.  The sessions will be conducted during the spring 2009 semester; dates to be advised.
  • Attend and facilitate a group discussion with their FOrE class on Matriculation Day scheduled for Friday, August 28.
  • 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 topic synopsis/log every two weeks to the Assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs.
  • Attend the two (2) regularly scheduled PAL meetings during the fall 2009 semester in order to help evaluate the progress of the program.
  • Work with the FOrE instructor to define your role further in the class.
To apply, Peer Assistant Leaders must be registered, full-time students for the spring 2009 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 28).

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 PAL 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 PAL stipend, or termination as a PAL.  The implementation of these sanctions is at the discretion of the Assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs.  PALs 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.

Note:
Deadline for application:
Monday, March 2, 2009

Deadline for references:
Monday, March 9, 2009

Applications and references will be reviewed by the Assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs.  Based upon qualifications and academic/disciplinary standing, you will be notified by email whether your have been selected to be interviewed.

Interviews will be conducted the week of March 23, 2009.

Apply Now

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Contact
For additional information, please contact:

Office of the Dean
University Center, Room 108
Adelphi University
P.O. BOX 701
Garden City, NY 11530-0701
p - 516.877.3660
f - 516.877.3148

This page last modified on February 12, 2009.
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