GPS Peer Leader Program

The GPS Peer Leader Program works within the Gateway Program Seminar to examine the complementary processes of teaching and learning from both a theoretical and pragmatic perspective. Peer Leaders 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. Peer leaders will also work with assigned faculty to contribute to the instruction of their designated Gateway Program Seminar class.

Learning Outcomes

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

Nature of Work

The GPS Peer Leader works within the Gateway Program Seminar and reports to the Program Coordinator of GPS. This position will work a maximum of 5 hours per week and will not exceed that amount unless directed by the Program Coordinator or Faculty Director.  He/She/Ze will examine the complementary processes of teaching and learning from both a theoretical and pragmatic perspective. Students 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. Students will also work with assigned faculty to contribute to the instruction of their designated Gateway Program Seminar class.

Co-Supervision Received

This position reports directly to Eden Klinedinst, GPS Program Coordinator, but will receive day-to-day co-supervision from assigned GPS Faculty, as well as regular check-ins and guidance from the Senior Peer Leader, Alyssa Langness. This position will be evaluated at the conclusion of each semester to determine the quality and effectiveness of the work accomplished.  

• Faculty and students will be given brief survey at the end of each semester to contribute to the evaluation of the peer leader
• Peer leaders may be terminated at the end of each semester and may need to reapply due to the nature of the student employment contract.
• All paperwork for hire/supervision/termination will be completed by the Lead Peer Leader and Faculty Director
• Faculty will be responsible for tracking Peer Leader classroom hours and will keep the GPS Program Coordinator apprised. Peer Leaders will submit an activity log to the GPS Program Coordinator for the remaining two hours on a bi-weekly basis

GPS Peer Leader Position Responsibilities and Expectations

• Work hour breakdown (not to exceed 5 hours per week):
  • 3 hours of classroom contact
  • 2 hours for one-on-one meetings, professional development, and/or other assigned tasks
  • All peer leader hours must have direct interaction/contact with students
• This position will coordinate and collaborate with assigned GPS instructor(s) in planning course curriculum; may include presentations on specific topics, facilitating group discussions, sharing personal experiences and actively reaching out to students
• Attend and participate in all scheduled trainings, programs, meetings, and class sessions
• Create and be prepared to present lessons and workshops for students
• Become knowledge experts in campus resources and departments in order to appropriately refer students when needed
• Meet one-on-one with students (approximately 15-minute sessions), being mindful not to exceed 5-hour work week
• Communicate with GPS instructor about any student issues/concerns
• Assist in developing an inclusive classroom environment that is open to all points of view
• Peer Leaders cannot grade

Training

• Required: In person fall 2023 training - Wednesday, August 16, 9:00am-10:00am
• Additional specialized trainings are also required
• Peer Leaders will be given a copy of the GPS text prior to the beginning of the semester to familiarize themselves with the GPS textbook
• Peer Leaders must connect with instructor(s) prior to the beginning of the semester to review expectations, syllabus, and course action plan

Minimum Qualifications

• Must attend GPS Gateway Days (fall semester only/if applicable) 
• Must be actively enrolled as a UCCS student and include the intent to enroll for the following semester
• 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

Compensation

• Position will begin the week before Gateway Days (fall semester only) and be evaluated at the end each semester
• This position receives $17 per hour and will be paid out bi-weekly
• Compensation for this position does not include benefits, and the Peer Leader may not work more than 5 hours a week
• Peer leaders 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