Become a Peer Instructor
Aresty Peer Instructors (PIs) serve as a resource and program guide for participants in the Aresty Research Assistant Program. In this capacity, Aresty PIs help recruit and advise Aresty Research Assistants (RAs), share information about academic and other campus resources, serve as a liaison between student researchers and faculty mentors, and plan programs for and facilitate seminars for their peer group. They may be asked to help with presentations about the Aresty Research Center, and will work as ambassadors at the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Overview
Commitment: Aresty Peer Instructors lead two 1-hour discussion groups each month focused on scholarly communication and professional development. Peer Instructors also attend one 1-hour meeting each month to plan upcoming meetings, troubleshoot student issues, and discuss strategic initiatives related to the Aresty Center. Peer Instructors are required to review journal entries for their peer group, be open and available resources for their RAs, and, from time to time, represent the Aresty Center at important events.
Orientation and Training: Peer Instructors will participate in a required, two-part training program. There will be two orientation sessions. Both sessions are mandatory.
Compensation: $500 per semester (paid in one stipend)
Eligibility and Requirements
Eligibility: Peer Instructors must be third or fourth year, full-time students in the fall semester and be in good academic standing (GPA of 3.0 or higher). Applicants should have completed one full summer of full-time research, or one full year of part-time research (preferably, though not required, through the Aresty Summer Science Program or the Aresty RA Program).
Selection Process: Selection is based on a review of application materials as well as individual interviews. Interviews with the Aresty staff will be scheduled shortly after the application submission.
References: A written reference from the applicant's faculty research advisor and Fall 2023 Aresty Peer Instructor, if applicable, will be required. If the applicant is not currently doing research and does not have contact with a faculty advisor, we ask that the applicant please provide a letter of reference from someone else who can speak to the academic and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work in a team/office setting, and can recommend you for the position. If the applicant doesn't have a Fall 2023 Peer Instructor, a second reference who can speak to their skills working in a group setting is required. All recommendation letters and essay must be uploaded directly to the application before submitting.
How To Apply
Applications Open From February 1st to February 26th
In addition to completing the questions on the following online application, you will also be asked to upload the following:
- Current resume
- Copy of your unofficial transcripts
- 2 - 4 double-spaced page essay that addresses the following:
- Why are you interested in becoming an Aresty Peer Instructor?
- What skills and qualities will you bring to this position?
- What do you think is the most important role a Peer Instructor should play?
- What elements would you incorporate into your peer group meetings to make them engaging for students?
- Describe the skills and benefits you have gained from your own research experience.
- Explain what you see as the value of research to a student's undergraduate experience.
- Describe any experience you have had facilitating a group. What are some qualities that help make a group successful?