Peer Leader Program
Peer leadership provides opportunities for students to guide, educate, and support students in becoming successful at Austin Peay State University. Peer leaders have the opportunity to explore their leadership potential, learn techniques about facilitating dialogue, and developing skills for mentoring both inside and outside of the classroom.
Peer Leaders are upperclassmen who provide an immediate support network to students enrolled in UNIV 1000, UNIV 1010, HON 1000, PELP 1000, and PASS 0900. Each section is supported by a successful student, who will attend all class meetings, support the class instructors, and, just as the title describes, serve as a mentor and leader for the students in their class. In addition, Peer Leaders help students develop a better understanding of campus resources and skills essential for academic success.
As a result of having a Peer Leader, new students will:
- Develop a connection to the university community.
- Make a successful transition to APSU.
- Identify appropriate campus resources and opportunities that contribute to their educational experience.
Not only do students benefit from having a peer leader, but peer leaders benefit as well. Peer Leaders will develop relationships with faculty and staff on campus, make connections to campus resources, advance their leadership skills, and improve their interpersonal communication skills.
The peer leadership experience allows a student to make a difference in the lives of others. Peer Leaders reflect on their own development and gain transferrable skills for any leadership role on campus or after graduation.
As a result in participating in the Peer Leader Program, the Peer Leader will be able to:
- Establish a positive relationship with students, staff, and faculty.
- Identify and develop personal strengths as it pertains to their leadership roles.
- Connect students to campus resources and services.
- Enhance their communication, listening, and facilitation skills.
- Work Towards achieving multiple peer leadership certificates (IPTPC Certificate and
APSU Peer Leadership Certificate)
International Peer Educator Training Program Certificate (IPTPC)
The Peer Leader program through Student Success has earned Level III International Peer Education Training Program Certification (IPTPC) from the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). All Peer Leaders are encouraged to obtain a certification level.
The mentoring experience consists of time spent helping new students transition to the university, work through academic challenges, helping students find a sense of belonging, assisting with technology, and understanding the academic culture at APSU. Certifications are a lifetime accomplishment, therefore only awarded once at each level. Training and mentoring hours are calculated from January - December each year.
Certification Level Requirements
Peer Leaders who are certified at this level have completed 32 hours of training and 50 hours of mentoring experience.
Mentors who are certified at Level 2 have completed 32 hours of mentor training and 75 hours of mentoring experience.
Mentors who are certified at Level 3 have completed 35 hours of mentor training and 100 hours of mentoring experience.
APSU Peer Leadership Certificate
The Peer Leadership Certificate exists to support the growth and development of student’s ability to positively influence colleagues as well as immerse them into a hands-on learning experience that strengthens leadership skills and builds valuable networking skills in their communities.
UNIV 3010 - Foundations of Peer Leadership in the University
- Credit Hours: 1
- Prerequisite: Students must have earned 12 or more hours.
- Offered only in Spring
- No Application for registration
This course is designed as development for students who intend to serve as a peer mentor for the UNIV 1000 program. At the completion of the course students could be selected to serve as a Peer Leader for UNIV 1000, UNIV 1010, HON 1000, PELP 1000, or PASS 0900. (3 Credit Course). The successful completion of the Peer Leader Training Course does not guarantee a position.
UNIV 3020 - Peer Leader Practicum Experience
- Credit Hours: 1
- Prerequisite: C or better in UNIV 3010
- Selected Peer Leaders Only
This course is designed as a practical experience for students who serve as a peer leader for UNIV 1000, UNIV 1010, HON 1000, PELP 1000, or PASS 0900.
UNIV 3030 - The Leadership Project
- Credit Hours: 1
- Prerequisite: UNIV 3020
- Must be a returning Peer Leader
- Permit Only
This course is a practical application of the leadership skills learned in UNIV 3010 and UNIV 3020.
All course syllabi and schedules can be found by logging into your D2L.
The Senior Peer Leader role is a leadership position open to returning Peer Leaders who will serve as a facilitator, resource, role model, and representative of the Peer Leader program. Senior Peer Leaders will assist the Student Success Coordinators in recruiting, training, and communicating with Peer Leaders. Senior Peer Leaders are selected through a formal application and interview process in the Spring semester.
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Name: Zee Schumacher Position: Senior Peer Leader Major: Political Science/Pre-Law Plans after Graduation: Hopes to become an entertainment lawyer. About Me: Enjoys holding many leadership positions on campus. |
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Name: Lauren Ellis Position: Senior Peer Leader Major: Psychology Plans after Graduation: Interested in pursing a career in mental health. About Me: Also serves as a Govs Ambassador |
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Name: Tori Case Position: Graduate Teaching Assistant Major: Currently Pursuing a Master’s in Management Plans after Graduation: Aspires to have a career in Accounting. About Me: Member of the APSU Soccer Team |
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Name: Emily Poteete Position: Graduate Teaching Assistant Major: Currently Pursuing a Master’s of Speech and Language Pathology Plans after Graduation: Aspires to have a career as a Speech and Language Pathologist |