Peer Assistant Leaders (PALs) work in The Office of Retention and Graduation Initiatives, whose mission is to assist University of Houston students in successful degree progress to graduation.

PALs work closely with professional staff and are trained on how to effectively coach students. PALs are assigned a group of students that they regularly communicate with to help them succeed academically. PALs coach their assigned students while identifying and assisting with potential academic barriers. PALs are expected to have the interpersonal skills necessary for working with students, both individually and in groups.

Application Process

If you are interested in becoming a PAL, use the Apply Now link in the left-hand navigation or complete the online application found here. For additional positions questions please email the RGI office at RGI@central.uh.edu

Application closes on November 6th.

Mandatory Training

All three trainings are mandatory:

• Friday, November 15th

Characteristics

Students applying for a Peer Assistant Leadership position should possess and demonstrate the following:

• Understanding and support of the goals and philosophies of the University of Houston and the Peer Assistant Leadership program.
• Desire to serve others.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong work ethic and time management skills
• Ability to encourage academic success and to motivate self and others.
• Ability to establish rapport with peers, students, parents, faculty and staff.
• Ability to serve as a positive role model demonstrating good judgment and ethical behavior.
• Ability to set a positive tone for interaction, demonstrating responsibility and respect for others’ rights, feelings, lifestyles, diverse backgrounds, and for personal and University property.
• Ability to work on a team and to be flexible.
• Strong demonstration of leadership abilities.
• Ability to navigate the University of Houston website.
• Knowledge of University of Houston campus resources.

Previous experience with Microsoft Office and PeopleSoft (my.uh.edu) preferred.

Qualifications

• Good academic standing, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75.
• Completed at least 30 credit hours in residence at the University of Houston by start of the Fall 2024 semester.
• Available to work 10-20 hours per week throughout the academic year.

Job Duties

• Attend required training and meetings
• Regularly communicate with the professional staff
• Connect students with university resources
• Assist students with developing institutional affinity
• Manage an assigned caseload of students; meeting with those students either in-person or virtually as needed
• Coach and develop positive relationships with assigned caseload of students
• Collaborate with campus resources to host workshops for students as needed

Time Commitment

• Approximately 10-20 hours per week throughout the academic year