Peer Liaisons

Peer Liaison Applicant Information

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, students must:

• Be rising Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors in good academic standing during both terms of the current academic year
• Possess the skills necessary to work on a team of students from varied backgrounds
• Demonstrate a good level of self-awareness, a commitment to serving others, and advocating for the needs of others

Duties and Expectations

Given the nature of the position and often unpredictable needs of First-Year students, it is impossible to anticipate all the duties that a Peer Liaison might be expected to perform, but the primary responsibilities are listed below. These duties will be explained in greater detail during Peer Liaison trainings, but if you have any concerns or reservations about your ability to fulfill these duties, be sure to contact the Peer Liaison Program Director, Dean Matthew Makomenawz immediately. It is important to understand that any Peer Liaison who fails to fulfill any of these expectations may be subject to immediate dismissal from the program.

• Model exemplary conduct, abiding by the Undergraduate Regulations and the Community Compact
• Serve as role models to First-Year students
• Serve as advisors and trusted mentors who establish a meaningful learning relationship with First-Year students
• Empower mentee(s) to be engaged, responsible, and proactive citizens at Yale
• Connect First-Year students to various resources both within the residential college, centers and across campus as appropriate
• Provide social, academic, and emotional support, in collaboration with other residential college peer leaders and in close consultation with professional and certified campus staff as needed
• Help ease First-Year students transition to life at Yale College
• Attend fully training sessions in the Spring and Fall as outlined in the Peer Liaison Contract received upon hire

Prioritization of Extracurricular Commitments

Serving as a Peer Liaison should be a student’s primary extracurricular activity. A Peer Liaison may not accept any other term-time employment that would require a significant commitment without first consulting with your center director/supervisor(s) and Peer Liaison Program Director. The same applies for any other significant extracurricular commitment. In case of any doubt whatsoever, consult your center director/supervisor(s) and Peer Liaison Program Director before accepting this appointment. Additionally, this is a year-long commitment. If you are thinking about studying abroad at any time in the academic year, please do not accept this position.

Peer Liaison Program Timeline