Job Summary
Peer Advisors function as both direct student support staff for the PALS program, as well as administrative support for program management, PALS events, communication, etc.
Direct student support includes:
Academic coaching services that involve frequent conversations with students about their goals, academic progress, and success milestones
Teaching skills and strategies to peers in areas such as time management, studying, and learning effectively
Outreach to students (email, phone, and text) about setting up academic coaching or continuing on with academic coaching
Facilitation of workshops and similar events about topics that support student success
Ability to guide peers through University systems, such as Degree Works, Student Portal, Schedule Planner, etc.
Referrals to campus resources.
Administrative support includes:
Management of PALs communications (email, phone, etc.) on behalf of the program
Communication with the PALS team, including supervisor(s) and fellow peer advisors through email, meetings, etc.
Attendance at PALS staff meetings and scheduled training events
Development of PALS resources and programming, such as infographics, crash course events, videos, etc., along with editing / enhancing existing content with updates, improvements, and attention to detail.
Regular review and research of compiled articles and resources for sharing with students
Utilization of the scheduling system for PALS appointment management
Detailed note-taking following academic coaching appointments with students
Collaboration between other offices and peer mentoring programs
Review and feedback about PALS processes, along with participation in program assessment activities
Other possible areas of responsibility include development / management of PALS webpage, social media, and/or marketing materials.
Who We Are
The PALS program is hiring for the 2024-2025 academic year. The PALS program offers UM-Dearborn students academic coaching, peer to peer connections, and basic advising support during any semester.
Responsibilities*
PALS function as both direct student support staff for the PALS program, as well as administrative leads for PALS program management, events, communications, etc.
Direct student support includes:
- Academic coaching services that incorporate frequent conversations with students about their goals, academic progress, and success milestones
- Teaching skills and strategies to peers in areas such as time management, studying, and learning effectively
- Outreach to students (email / phone / text) about setting up appointments or responding to inquiries
- Facilitation of workshops and similar events about topics that support student success
- Ability to guide peers through University systems, such as Degree Works, UM-D Connect, etc.
- Referrals to campus resources.
Administrative support includes:
- Management of PALS communications (email / phone / text), including careful recordkeeping and responsiveness in the case management system
- Communication with the PALS team, including supervisor(s) and fellow PALS through email, Gchat, meetings, etc.
- Attendance at PALS staff meetings and scheduled training events
- Development of PALS resources, such as infographics, workshops, crash course videos, etc., along with editing / enhancing existing content with updates, improvements, and attention to detail.
- Creation of marketing materials for social media, email distribution, and on campus display, including fliers, videos, and other accessible mediums.
- Regular review and research of compiled resources for sharing with students
- Utilization of the scheduling system for PALS appointment management
- Detailed note-taking in the case management system, which follows academic coaching appointments and other interactions with students
- Collaboration between other offices and peer programs
- Review and feedback about PALS processes, along with participation in program assessment activities
- Other possible areas of responsibility include development / management of PALS webpage, as well as other creative initiatives to increase program awareness.
Desired Qualifications*
- Current student at time of application
- Sophomore, junior, or senior-standing preferred
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Must give at least a one year commitment to this position
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Technology skills including but not limited to:
- Strong email proficiency, experience with Google suite, familiarity with University registration processes and other campus systems, optional experience with design programs
- Adaptability to learn new technology, especially social media
- Comfort with representing the PALS program in any capacity for the purpose of students connecting with students
- Ability to work in person
- May have an interest in a future career in higher education or student affairs, though a broad range of interests would align with this position
Work Schedule
Peer Advisors typically are scheduled 8-10 hours per week.
Note: Hours are not guaranteed and are subject to change.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.