Encounters Senior Program Leader (Student)

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Department:

AU Encounters

Time Type:

Part time

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Job Description:

Summary:

Program Leaders serve as student leaders for one or more sections of Encounters I and have a variety of responsibilities, primarily assisting their instructor(s) by offering their unique perspective as an AU student. Encouraging student engagement, coordinating with their instructor(s) on course planning, classroom management, and class logistics, and providing updates and insights to students about campus life and events are some of the ways Program Leaders bring meaning to the classroom. Program Leaders will be assigned to one section of approximately 35 students, with the possibility of additional class assignments. Encounters I classes meet every other week, and Program Leaders are expected to attend each one. Additionally, Program leaders will participate in biweekly cohort and Aerie* meetings. Program Leaders also assist with in-person events and lectures related to the course as needed. The Program Leader plays an essential role in the Encounters I (Encounter AU: The Idea of the University, CORE-102/103) course by serving as a role model and important connection between instructors and students in their first year at AU. An Aerie is an assigned group consisting of four to five Program Leaders and one Senior Program Leader.

Responsibilities:

1.) Program Meeting Responsibilities

• Participate in asynchronous and in-person Program Leader trainings in August 2025 (In-person training: August 22nd, 2025).

• Complete synchronous SPL Training in August 2025 (Date: August 21st, 2025).

• Participate in one-hour biweekly cohort meetings and Aeriedates TBA).

• Complete a 1:1 mid-semester check-in with program staff.

• Meet biweekly with program staff (all SPL meeting) (A on the AB schedule).

• Create and lead a PL social/event in collaboration with other SPLs once per semester.

• Co-lead a segment of the cohort biweekly meeting twice per semester.

2.) Curricular Responsibilities

• Attend Encounters I classes as assigned, supporting either 1 or 2 class sections.

• Regularly coordinate with your assigned instructor, meeting 30 minutes per week.

• Have an intentional interaction outside of class with each student at least once in the first 5 weeks of the semester.

• Meet with students by appointment as needed.

• Arrive to class prepared, reviewing the proper class materials ahead of time as needed (in coordination with your instructor).

• Support the engagement and active learning of students, meaningfully contributing to classroom dialogue.

• Be available as a mentor to students as they become oriented to AU, i.e. Suggesting opportunities for involvement at the university, tips & tricks for succeeding in classes, etc.

• Be available as a mentor to new and returning PLs as they become (re)oriented to the PL position, i.e. Providing encouragement, suggesting solutions to classroom issues, directing to appropriate resources, sharing tips & tricks for succeeding in classes, etc.

3.) Other Duties

• Maintain regular communication with their Aerie and with program staff, in addition to SPL meetings and Aerie meetings.

• Contact program staff with program issues or concerns as necessary.

• Assist with in-person events, lectures, and excursions related to the course.

Position Type/Expected Hours Of Work:

• Part-Time.

• Approximately