What is a Peer Academic Leader (PAL)?

Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) offer mentoring and relevant programs to all of our first-year resident populations. PALs are ambassadors to the WPU Residence Life community involvement, traditions, and leadership. As WPU role models, PALs attend (and bring students!) to campus events and present programs in our Residence Halls with and for our First Year students.

PALs are role models and friends to all in the WPU Residential community. PALs help our first-year residents establish a sense of belonging and make William Paterson their home. They work to create a fun and vibrant environment which encourages leadership and civility.

Who can be a PAL at WPU?

Before becoming a Peer Academic Leader, several qualifications need to be met.  PALs need to meet/have:

• Applicants must be undergraduate students who are registered full-time and in good standing with the University Community and Office of Residence Life. 

• Applicants must have sophomore, junior or senior class, with one full semester at William Paterson University.

• Applicants may not hold the PAL position while also serving as a Resident Assistant (RA).

• Specifically applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 and be in good academic, judicial, and financial standing. While in the PAL position a cumulative and semester GPA of at least a 3.0 must be kept.

• Programming: Create, manage, and lead programming and outreach efforts in first-year residence halls.

• Mentoring: Serve as general support/referral for students with academic or personal issues or questions.

• Community Building & Leadership: Fostering WPU community involvement through particular WPU Residence Life programs, and working with other WPU groups such as Resident Assistants and First-Year Experience Peer Leaders.

• Staff Collaboration: Working with the William Paterson University Residence Life Office and the First-Year Experience Office, along with other departments on campus.

• Administration: General administrative work; attend bi-weekly meetings as arranged by PAL supervisor.

• Professional Development: Attend training sessions, programs, and workshops to further one’s professional and leadership development.

• All PALs receive $8.00 per hour and can work a maximum of 25 hours per week.

What are the benefits of being a PAL?

• Programming: Create, manage, and lead programming and outreach efforts in first-year residence halls.
• Mentoring: Serve as general support/referral for students with academic or personal issues or questions.
• Community Building & Leadership: Fostering WPU community involvement through particular WPU Residence Life programs, and working with other WPU groups such as Resident Assistants and First-Year Experience Peer Leaders.
• Staff Collaboration: Working with the William Paterson University Residence Life Office and the First-Year Experience Office, along with other departments on campus.
• Administration: General administrative work; attend bi-weekly meetings as arranged by PAL supervisor.
• Professional Development: Attend training sessions, programs, and workshops to further one’s professional and leadership development.
• All PALs receive $8.00 per hour and can work a maximum of 25 hours per week.

Sounds Great!  How do I apply?

The PAL application process for the Fall 2013 semester will begin in late February/early March 2013.  Please come back and visit our website for more details as the timeline approaches.  Applications will be available through the Residence Life Central Office, located in the lower level of White Hall.  We look forward to meeting you.