Freshman Interest Groups

West Chester University

Contact Info
Lawrence Center 262
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-3544
Fax: 610-436-2600
FIGs@wcupa.edu


Peer Leaders

Confidentiality Statement

Freshman Interest Groups faculty and staff do not provide student information to anyone, including faculty members, unless directed by students.

All Peer Leaders for the Freshman Interest Groups agree to the following Employee Confidentiality Statement:

Peer Leader Confidentiality Statement

As an employee of the Freshman Interest Groups, I may have access to confidential information, such as grades, student records, test results, student progress in class and other personal information.  I may also have verbal or written communication with my supervisor, professors, other participants in the Freshman Interest Groups, and WCU personnel.  These data and communications should remain confidential.

 

As an employee of the Freshman Interest Groups, I accept the responsibility to preserve the confidentiality of this information.  I understand that failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in termination of employment and expose me to further consequences.

What is a Peer Leader?

 

Exceptional and fun students trained to model and mentor first-semester students enrolled in FIGs.  Peer leaders will act as liaisons to clarify academic requirements and faculty expectations as well as provide social models and connections to campus resources.

 

            Peer Leader Job Description

 

  • Peer leaders make social and emotional connections with the students in their assigned FIG. 
  • Additionally, PLs model effective student behaviors and study skills as well as role play appropriate interactions with campus personnel including faculty, student affairs offices, and other students. 
  • Accomplishing this requires frequent PL presence among the FIG students,
    • PLs have access to residence halls and permission to use the FIG lounge, floor lobbies and other meeting places. 
    • They work up to 8 hours per week during fall semester.
    • Work includes one hour training/meetings, one hour group meetings in the residence hall, one or more hours of one:one/small group meetings, paperwork and reflection, and social/co-curricular activities.

 

Peer leaders are NOT advisors, professors, counselors, medical professionals, or sources of banked tests, etc. 

PLs differentiate these areas and understand when referrals are necessary.  Offices that can be referred to include Residence Life, Judicial Affairs, Registrar, LARC, OSSD, Counseling Center, PMAA, etc.

 

EMPLOYMENT 

The FIGs have fall 2011 openings for Peer Leaders.   Prospective PLs must complete an application form and interview with the Academic Director. Additionally, they must provide recommendations from professors.

Qualifications - Peer Leaders:

  • Be admitted or enrolled in a degree program at WCU.
  • Have a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA.
  • Have experience in leadership, tutoring, teaching, or other social endeavors.