Peer Instructors (PIs) are successful sophomore, junior, and senior students who are interested in helping new students adapt to life at NIU. The prime responsibility of a PI is to help with either a UNIV 101 or UNIV 201 course which emphasizes the experiences and skills that are expected to help each student in his or her transition to NIU—getting involved, goal-setting, time management, healthy decisions, diversity, etc. They assist an instructor with planning course activities, facilitating class discussions, and providing information to students on a peer level. PIs also serve as resource persons and models of success for students who may be uncertain about their ability to make this transition.
Placement as a Peer Instructor is both an honor and a rewarding opportunity for professional and personal growth. This is a volunteer position open to undergraduate students who meet the requirements below.
Students must meet the following qualifications:
1. Those serving as Peer Instructors often find it rewarding to know that they have made a difference at NIU by helping new students adjust to college life.
2. This is a perfect opportunity to gain both teaching and leadership experience and also to strengthen one’s communication skills.
3. The Peer Instructor position looks fabulous on a résumé, too!
Tuesday, November 10th
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Holmes Student Center Lincoln Room
Thursday, November 19th
8:00-9:00 p.m.
Holmes Student Center Illinois Room
Applications must be received by the First-Year Connections Office by Tuesday, December 1st to be considered for the priority deadline. Applications will be accepted through Friday, March 19th but with limited position availability.
Feel free to contact First-Year Connections staff at 753-0028 or at firstconn@niu.edu.