Interested in being a peer coach?

Position Description

Peer coaches at Carthage College are full-time undergraduate students who are assigned to a section of College Success Seminar for first-year/transfer students in order to assist with their academic and social transition to college and help them engage in the Carthage community. Peer coaches help facilitate the class experience for the students and serve as an extra resource during students’ transition. The following responsibilities will be held by student volunteers serving in a peer coach role:

  • With the instructor, co-facilitate various components of weekly sessions for a designated College Success Seminar section. Responsibilities may include sharing a story from your own experience, demonstrating how to utilize Carthage-related technology, facilitating a small group discussion on time management or 4-year curriculum planning, and other activities as assigned.
  • Participate in Schoology discussion boards. Ask questions of classmates and contribute to the conversation.
  • Coordinate 1-2 unique out-of-class activities/outings during the class (e.g. campus tour, dinner, or lunch in The Caf, attend CAB event). Document and submit attendance to the event(s) to your designated College Success Seminar instructor.
  • Participate in an initial peer coach training session led by staff in the Center for Student Success in the spring and in the fall prior to the start of class. Coaches will have the opportunity to attend ongoing training as needed.
  • Meet weekly with your designated College Success Seminar instructor to plan course activities and assignments as needed.
  • Complete a peer coach program evaluation upon completion of College Success Seminar.
  • If conflicts or concerns about a student arise, communicate with the instructor about any issues. Utilize Student outreach System as appropriate.
Skills Needed
  • Comfortable presenting and talking in front of small to medium size groups (no more than 30 students) and using PowerPoint & Zoom/Google Meet
  • Enthusiastic about the Carthage experience and interested in building relationships with other students; knowledgeable about Carthage opportunities
  • Adaptability and flexibility — able to pivot and make adjustments to plans as needs arise
  • Creativity and organization — interested in planning small group gatherings/events along with tracking participation using a shared Google Sheet
  • Working knowledge of Schoology, Workday, Zoom, Google Suite
Qualifications
  • Full-time undergraduate students with a 2.25 minimum cumulative GPA
  • Students with good standing with student conduct who represent the diversity of the Carthage community
  • We especially encourage first-generation students to apply for this position
Spring and Fall Training
  • Curriculum overview and lesson planning
  • Leading and facilitating discussions
  • Use of Schoology and Zoom
  • Communication and expectations and more

APPLY TO BE A PEER COACH