GPS Peer Coach Program

This position will directly allow the student to gain experience in the following Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS):

• Intellectual Growth
• Effective Communication
• Career Choices
• Leadership Development
• Meaningful Interpersonal Relationships
• Independence
• Collaboration
• Appreciating Diversity
• Personal and Educational Goals

The GPS Peer Coach works within the Gateway Program Seminar and reports to the GPS administration team. This position will work a maximum of 10 hours per week and will not exceed that amount unless directed by the Program Coordinator or Faculty Director.  Peer Coachees will learn to engage, listen, and assist first-year students in a mature and professional manner relating to their adjustment to UCCS and academic success. 

This position reports directly to the GPS administration team. This position will be evaluated at the conclusion of each semester to determine the quality and effectiveness of the work accomplished.  

• Work hour breakdown (not to exceed 10 hours per week):
  • Weekly remote support of assigned GPS courses
  • Weekly contact with students, as needed
  • Weekly messaging to include items like campus events, course information, and more
• Attend and participate in all scheduled trainings, programs, meetings, and class sessions
• Provide student support via mentorship as needed
• Become knowledge experts in campus resources and departments in order to appropriately refer students when needed
• Meet one-on-one with assigned students throughout the semester--a minimum of one time.
• Communicate with GPS faculty about any student issues/concerns as needed
• Peer Coaches CANNOT grade
• Peer Leaders are highly encouraged to participate in Days of Service events for fall and spring semesters, as part of required GPS student service-learning volunteer projects.
• Peer Coaches will submit an activity log to the GPS administration team for any hours worked.

• Must view all recorded trainings and pass quizzes with an 80% or higher before the start of the semester.
• Must complete all Skillsoft trainings listed on the Check-In Procedures form before the start of the semester.
• Peer Coaches will be given a copy of the GPS text prior to the beginning of the semester to familiarize themselves with the GPS textbook.
• Peer Coaches  must connect with instructor(s) prior to the beginning of the semester to review expectations, syllabus, and course action plan.

• Must be actively enrolled as a UCCS student and include the intent to enroll for the following semester
• Must be a sophomore, junior, or senior standing
• Must have successfully completed one academic year at UCCS
• Must have successfully passed GPS with a B or higher
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills

• The position will begin each semester 3 weeks prior to the start of term
• This position receives $17 per hour and will be paid out bi-weekly
• Compensation for this position does not include benefits, and the Peer Coaches may not work more than 10 hours a week.
• Peer Coaches will be held to the standard of no more than 25 hours per week for all student employment positions (in the case the student is working more than one campus position).
• This position will be classified as a Student Assistant while working at UCCS.

Peer Coaches are assigned to GPS courses to provide hybrid support. Most of the student engagement and outreach will be performed remotely. Peer Coaches will be assigned to three (3) or four (4) GPS courses for a total maximum of 90-100 students. Students will be assigned by the Peer Lead Coach and given three (3) GPS courses with similar schedules and formatting, i.e. students may be assigned to three (3) session b courses; or to three (3) online courses. Students will have direct access to course enrollments via access to their assigned GPS Canvas courses sites—assigned as teaching assistants. *Expertise related to a GPS course theme is not required; however, this can be discussed when assigning course support.