Student Learning Commons: Become a Peer Educator

 Opportunities in Two SLC Peer Programs 

The Student Learning Commons regularly recruits Student Peers for two programs, based in Burnaby, Surrey, or online: 

 Timelines

We usually accept applications in the Spring semester for positions starting the next Fall. (We also sometimes recruit during the summer.)

 How to apply

Check the SLC homepage for posting information: usually mid-February to mid-March, and sometimes mid-May to Mid-July.

When positions are open, you can apply at  http://myinvolvement.sfu.ca.

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 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.

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

They receive a $450 honorarium (based on 5 hours per week for 13 weeks) after their second and subsequent terms, and will become eligible to apply for the SFU Library Mike McIntosh Undergraduate Student Award.

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

EAL Peers must be in Good Academic Standing, and we are looking primarily for students with strong interpersonal skills. EAL Peers build relationships by meeting on a weekly basis all term with individual students who are looking to build their competence and confidence in spoken English. 

This relationship often makes a crucial personal and academic difference in students’ lives, for example, by building students’ confidence to connect with their classmates and seek help from their TAs.

The commitment is between 3-5 hours per week for two terms.

 

Joint Program

Each of the above programs involves a 5-hour per week commitment for 2 terms which don't need to be consecutive.  If you are interested in both programs, you have the option of participating in both of them as a Joint Program, for a total of 7.5 hours per week.  Just ask us!

 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 for personal and professional development. Other Peer Education programs such as Health Peers, Math and Science Peer Tutors, CMPT Peer Tutors, and the Active Bystander Network. For general information about Peer Education throughout SFU, please contact Student Engagement at involved@sfu.ca.