Peer Leaders

Overview of Peer Leader Position  

Peer Leader (PL): Tasks range from providing technical assistance on the website to comforting a student who feels homesick or providing assistance during orientation programs to answering general questions about WT for incoming freshman and transfer students. Peer Leaders must be flexible, perceptive, willing to take initiative, empathetic, and team- orientated. The responsibilities of a Peer Leader include, but are not limited to:

• Connect with what motivates students - relationships and career information
• Paint a clear picture of their education and career journey
• Outline the skills necessary to be successful at college and in the workplace
• Give a clear overview of the academic program, culture and expectations
• Convey enthusiasm and spirit for the University
• Provide supportive student success resources
• Strengthen college success and self-management skills
• Build relationships with faculty and students in program group

How will the Orientation Program benefit me as a student?

Making connections throughout the university is critical for your success as a student. As a Peer Leader, you will have the opportunity to make and enhance connections with faculty, staff and a variety of students from the WT community. In addition, you benefit from learning detailed information about university programs and services, which increases your campus knowledge. The student leader position is an integral part of the New Student Orientation program. Peer Leaders hold a prestigious leadership role on campus, and often use their experience as a stepping-stone to employment in other leadership positions.

How will the Orientation Program benefit me after graduation?

These positions are designed to increase your leadership skills and abilities. Peer Leaders develop skills in group problem solving, conflict resolution, interpersonal communication and team building. The New Student Orientation (NSO) experience also provides students with the opportunity to interact with a diverse population of students, fostering skills important for future employment. Throughout the program, you will have opportunities to use these skills in hands-on situations, thus providing an experience upon which employers look favorably.

Essential Qualifications
Peer Leaders must maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average throughout employment

• Good academic and disciplinary standing with the University throughout employment
• Successful completion of a background check
• Undergraduate student
• Enrolled in WT

Ideal Skills and Abilities

• Be an excellent team player and representative of WT
• Desire to make a difference in the lives of first year students, transfer students, and their families
• Be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and high-profile position
• Maintain a high energy level, enthusiasm, and stamina when working long days
• Be an effective and clear communicator with new students and family members
• Be comfortable facilitating small and large group discussions and activities
• Possess a high level of maturity and an ability to use independent judgment in decision making
• Enjoy hard, but rewarding work
• Be willing to learn and grow through the position
• Be an effective and positive role model for other students on campus 

Compensation

• $10/hour for all New Student Orientations, Transfer Student Orientations, training days, mentoring hours
  • 270 hours total
• Staff Swag & Supplies
• Meals are provided during training and orientation sessions

Leadership Opportunities

• Represent the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership at official university events
• Opportunity to assist with official office functions and programs
• Ability to advance in various leadership positions within the Orientation program