Become an SLC peer: Help fellow students and build skills!

Student Learning Commons Peers in the newly renovated SLC Common Room.

 Opportunities in Two SLC Peer Programs 

The Student Learning Commons recruits Peer Educators on an annual basis for these two volunteer opportunities, based at Burnaby or Surrey, with the opportunity to provide service virtually as well as in person.

At the end of the second term of service and any subsequent terms, Peers in either program receive a $450 honorarium (based on a 5-hour per week commitment all term, otherwise prorated). In addition, after two terms of service, Peers become eligible to apply for the SFU Library Mike McIntosh Award.

 Timelines

We are recruiting for Writing and Learning Peers from March 11 to May 11 for positions starting in September 2025. The posting may close earlier if all positions are filled. 

EAL Peers are expected to start recruiting on March 31 for a September start.

 How to apply

During the recruitment period, apply through http://myinvolvement.sfu.ca :

  • Writing and Learning Peers: Job ID 6617
  • EAL Peers: Posting expected on March 31, 2025

If you have questions, contact us at learning-commons@sfu.ca.

 About the positions

Both programs allow you to develop transferable skills in the areas of client service, interpersonal skills, giving effective feedback, and cross-cultural communication, and will give you access to a professional reference as well as a newly decorated, semi-private study/social space in the Bennett Library.

Writing and Learning Peer Educators 

Writing and Learning Peers help their fellow students one-on-one through consultations about their writing and/or other academic strategies. We are looking for strong writers in any discipline, with at least a 3.0 GPA in relevant courses. Writing and Learning Peers develop and hone their own academic skills through the process of reviewing other students’ work. The time commitment is 5 hours per week, for two terms that do not need to be consecutive. 

Peers can earn internationally recognized tutoring certification from the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA).

Past Peers have indicated that the experience was useful in landing co-op positions and paid employment on campus, and in furthering their career and educational goals in diverse fields such as Law, Library and Information Science, Dentistry, Medicine, Counselling Psychology, Advocacy, Academia, K-12 Teaching, Teaching English Overseas, Post-Secondary Student Services, and many others. 

English as an Additional Language (EAL) Peers

Join our team of English as an Additional Language (EAL) Peers and embark on a rewarding journey of personal growth and impact.  As an EAL Peer, you'll become a vital mentor to fellow students seeking to enhance their English proficiency and confidence.

We're seeking students who are not only academically strong but also possess exceptional interpersonal skills. Your role as an EAL Peer involves fostering meaningful connections by meeting one-on-one with students weekly throughout the term. Through these interactions, you'll empower them to navigate the challenges of spoken English with newfound competence and assurance.

This commitment requires 3-5 hours of your time per week for two terms, making it an enriching addition to your schedule without overwhelming your other obligations.

Past EAL Peers have leveraged their experiences to teach in BC schools, and teach English abroad in vibrant destinations like Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong. Others have pursued advanced studies in graduate school, equipped with the skills and insights gained from their time as EAL Peers.

 

Joint Program

If you are interested in both programs, you may have the option of participating in both of them as a Joint Program, for a total of 7.5 hours per week.  This is not guaranteed when programs are in high demand; in those years, we want to spread opportunities out among as many students as we can accommodate.

 Contact and further information

For more information, please contact learning-commons@sfu.ca

 About Peer Education at SFU

The two groups of Peers at the SLC are part of the larger SFU Peer Education Program, which offers a variety of volunteer experiences across the university, with a goal of fostering personal and professional development. For general information about Peer Education throughout SFU, please contact Student Engagement at involved@sfu.ca.

The newly renovated SLC Commons room, with couches, paintings, and plants
The newly renovated SLC Commons Room.
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