Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Leader- Student Employment Opportunity (Workstudy Eligibility Preferred)

The PAL Leader is a vital member of the Vermont State University Academic Support team, responsible for facilitating engaging and collaborative study sessions for students enrolled in select challenging courses. Under the guidance of the PAL Coordinator, the PAL Leader will provide academic assistance, foster a supportive learning environment, and promote student success through active participation and peer-led instruction.
Start Date: April Orientation (TBA); Training Days August 21-22, 2025; 1st day of assigned course
End Date: December 12, 2025
Compensation: $15 per hour/up to 10 hours per week (work-study preferred, but not required)
Supervision Received: Academic Support Student Development Coordinator
Campus: Williston and Online
Essential Functions:

• Attend designated course and facilitate 1-2 one-hour weekly group PAL sessions, adhering to the established Supplemental Instruction model and curriculum.
• Prepare and review session materials, including study guides, worksheets, and practice problems, to reinforce key course concepts and promote active learning.
• Foster an inclusive and interactive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, sharing insights, and collaborating with peers.
• Offer guidance and clarification on course content, assignments, and study strategies to help students improve their understanding and performance.
• Maintain open communication with course instructors to align PAL sessions with course objectives and address specific student needs.
• Monitor student attendance, participation, and performance during PAL sessions, and provide feedback to the Student Development Coordinator for assessment purposes.
• Participate in mandatory training sessions, team meetings, and professional development workshops to enhance leadership skills and stay informed about best practices in peer-led instruction.
• Assist with outreach efforts to raise awareness of the PAL program among students, faculty, and campus community members through presentations, tabling events, and social media initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate at Vermont State University in good academic standing.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the subject area(s) of designated course/s, preferably with a minimum grade of B .
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and motivate diverse groups of students.
• Previous experience in tutoring, teaching, or peer mentoring preferred.
• Reliable, responsible, and committed to upholding the academic integrity and confidentiality of student information.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, based on student needs.

Benefits:

• Valuable leadership and professional development opportunities.
• Flexible work schedule to accommodate academic commitments.
• Opportunity to make a positive impact on the academic success and retention of fellow students.

This general outline illustrates the type of work which characterizes the job classification. It is not an all-encompassing statement of the specific duties, responsibilities and qualifications of individual positions assigned to the classification.

Vermont State University is a part of the Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS). VSCS values individual differences that can be engaged in the service of learning. Diverse experiences from people of varied backgrounds inform and enrich our community. VSCS strongly encourages applications from historically marginalized and underrepresented populations. VSCS is an equal opportunity employer, in compliance with ADA requirements, and will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified applicant. Please contact our HR office for assistance with accommodations at humanresources@vermontstate.edu.