Peer Academic Leaders

Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) are upperclass mentors for first-year students in University Honors. This opportunity is ideal for advanced students who embody UH leadership values–curiosity, courage, compassion–and seek to deepen their engagement with our living-learning program. The term of a PAL is one academic year, beginning in April and ending the following February.

PALs are advanced student leaders with past mentorship experience. They have the privilege of welcoming newcomers to the UH community before they arrive on campus, shepherding them through their first semester, and engaging in signature and annual program events that support Academic Affairs (e.g., UH Week).

• In the fall, PALs follow a cohort of 40 first-year students through Fall semester in Gateway Seminar, supporting them in the academic, social, and personal challenges of the first-year UH experience, the UH curriculum, and the spirit of the House Cup competition. 
• In the spring, PALs participate in various student engagement/academic activities such as the Advising Expo, hosting Community Sessions for Collegiate Fellow candidates, and supporting the recruitment of future PALs.

• 2024-25 PALs will receive a stipend of $500 over two semesters. 
• While PALs are expected to come to the role with leadership experience and upper-class wisdom, they receive: 
  • training in team-building and student management to do the work of student mentorship.
  • skills in collaborative teamwork
  • the mechanics of pedagogy and administration.
• PALs are mentored by a Gateway faculty member and advise the Associate Director for Academic & Faculty Affairs on Gateway programming.
• Acceptance into the position represents significant progress toward the Leadership Medallion.