Peer Academic Coach

Job Title:  Peer Academic Coach
Reports to:  Learning Specialist, Senior
Salary:  $14.75/hourly
Work Study Optional
Hours per Week:  Flexible, 10-15 hours/week

THINK TANK serves as the central academic support center on our campus. Peer Academic Coaches (PACs) support first-year students in the Schedule for Success program and all University of Arizona students. PACs provide holistic support through one-on-one peer coaching and serve as role models.  Through coaching strategies, demonstrating academic skills during workshops, tabling events, and class or campus organization visits, Peer Academic Coaches have the opportunity to connect and engage with multiple students and campus partners in numerous ways.  

Students are encouraged, but not required, to use Federal Work Study for this position if they are eligible.

This position will be for the Fall 2024 semester, with the possibility of working in Spring 2025 and following semesters.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain rapport with students attending one-on-one coaching sessions. 
• Provide guidance, support, and discuss skills such as college-level time management, study strategies, successfully navigating the university environment, stress management, and more to a diverse population of students. 
• Assist first-year students in their transition to college and strengthen study skills/habits.
• Promote THINK TANK services to students through visits to specific classrooms, one-on-one student interactions, and campus organizations.
• Present academic skill workshops for the campus community.
• Maintain and document all contact with students resulting from standing appointments.
• Create materials such as handouts, videos, and/or other products to promote student academic success.
• Engage in mentoring and leadership opportunities with fellow PACs in later semesters.
• Other duties as assigned by Learning Specialist Senior or Learning Specialist Coordinator. 

Qualifications

• Commitment to creating a welcoming and positive environment and sensitive to student diversity.
• Requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Highly dependable, punctual, and adaptable.
• Current University of Arizona student (prefer completion of at least 24 units of Arizona course work) with an interest in helping other students develop/strengthen study skills and support them in their university experience.
• Possession and maintenance of at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• Preferred qualification but not mandatory: students who were part of Schedule for Success  (took Math 100 and SAS 100AX their first semester at Arizona).
• Enrolled in at least six University of Arizona units for Fall 2024. 

Expectations

• Must be available for mandatory trainings Wednesday 8/21, Thursday 8/22, and Friday 8/23.
• Attend additional training that may include one Saturday per semester.
• Achieve and advance certification through the College Reading and Language Association (CRLA) as a Peer Educator. Pay raises are commensurate with additional CRLA certifications. (All training is paid and we work with your class schedule to determine your work hours).

Benefits of the Position

• Extensive training and opportunities to practice communication, coaching, and presentation skills. 
• PACs often report improved academic strategies, interpersonal communication, study skills, self-awareness, and increased awareness of campus resources. 
• PACs are likely to report increased confidence in presentation skills.
• Upon completing CRLA training and leveling up, PACs are eligible for pay increases!

How to Apply

Questions can be directed to Nora Caragan, Learning Specialist Senior, via email at norac@arizona.edu.