Peer Leaders are experienced upperclass students who play a key role in supporting Summer Orientation and Welcome Week. Beyond the summer, they serve as mentors in Cornerstone or Seminar courses during the fall semester. Peer Leaders work closely with first-year and new transfer students, providing guidance, support, and connection as they transition to campus life. As visible role models, Peer Leaders are expected to demonstrate strong academic habits and positive behavior.
- Peer Leader Position Description
General Responsibilities of a Peer Leader
Summer Responsibilities include:
- Attending a one-day training session, tentatively scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026.
- Participating in three Summer Orientation sessions: June 25 & 26, July 9 & 10, and July 20. (NOTE: There are three Summer Orientation programs – two overnight events and one single-day orientation event.)
- Staying overnight in a campus residence hall during the two overnight orientation sessions, on the following nights: June 24 & 25; and July 8 & 9.
- Assisting with various tasks during the Summer Orientation program. Tasks will include everything from leading small groups to assisting with registration and issuing & collecting residence hall keys.
Welcome Week Responsibilities include:
- Moving in early to your fall on-campus housing assignment (for resident students) on Monday, August 17.
- Attending pre-fall training activities on Tuesday & Wednesday, August 18 & 19.
- Assisting with Move-in & Arrival Day activities Thursday, August 20.
- Coordinating and assisting with all Welcome Week activities up through Sunday evening’s Big Bang event.
Fall Cornerstone/Seminar Responsibilities include:
- Attending and actively participating in all Cornerstone/Seminar classes.
- Sharing regular campus updates with your class.
- Meeting weekly with your assigned instructor. Assisting the instructor as needed with class discussions, activities & assignments.
- Facilitating a class on the topic of your choice (at the discretion of the instructor).
- Coordinating one class community service project to take place before Thanksgiving.
- Scheduling and meeting individually with each student during the first half of the semester.
- Maintaining regular communication with your students throughout the semester.
- Compensation & Benefits
Peer Leaders receive the following compensation & benefits for their service:
- Up to three (3) academic directed-study credits for the Fall 2026 semester.
- Personal and professional development opportunities, as well as leadership and classroom management experience.
- Leadership Development and Service & Civic Engagement points good toward the completion of the GEM OCC program.
- Networking opportunities with university administrators, faculty & staff. Free Pitt-branded apparel.
- Eligibility
Students interested in the Peer Leader position must:
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.
- Have completed at least 12 credits at Pitt-Greensburg by the end of the Spring 2026 semester.
- Be in good standing with the Student Conduct office. Be willing and able to attend all training dates and orientation events.
- Complete the selection process as detailed below.
- Selection Process
- Students must submit an online application and submit two recommendation forms from professional references.
- Qualified candidates will interview with Mr. Brian Root and Mr. Aidan Riley in the Student Life & Success office.
- Deadline for applications and recommendation forms is 11:59 p.m. on February 22, 2026.
Peer Leader Application
Click here to complete the Peer Leader Application.
For more information
Brian Root, Director of Student Activities & First-Year Experience
Chambers Hall 212
Phone: 724.836.7470
Email: b.k.root@pitt.edu
Aidan Riley, Resident Director for Activities & First-Year Experience
McKenna Hall 103
Phone: 724.836.7116
Email: aidan.riley@pitt.edu