AY24-25 EXCEL Program Peer Leader (Non-work Study)

Job Description :

The EXCEL program at Bridgewater State University is a fully-inclusive postsecondary program for individuals with intellectual / developmental disabilities.

Students in the BSU EXCEL program share the same experiences as their college-aged peers in the areas of academics, socialization, career development, and independent living.

With supports in place, EXCEL students enroll in courses, take part in campus internships, and socialize with peers.

EXCEL Peer Leaders serve as facilitators to offer meaningful, inclusive social opportunities for EXCEL students. Peer Leaders work to ensure EXCEL students are aware of the opportunities that the BSU community has to offer, they offer support in attending different events / activities, and in the process, guide students in developing daily living skills.

Peer Leaders provide students with the tools and knowledge they need to make their college experience as meaningful as possible.

Peer Leader Responsibilities (day) :

• Offer / advertise at least one activity / event to EXCEL students per week (varying days each week). Activities / events will be those that are already being offered by BSU, including at least one evening activity per month.
• In advance, plan activities / events for the upcoming month; submit monthly plans to supervisor one week before the 1st of each month.
• Peer Leader should attend advertised events / activities.
• Work to involve Peer Mentors in weekly activities and events.
• Support EXCEL students at activities / events to practice independent living skills (communication skills, planning, organization, follow up, etc.)
• Help students become familiar with university resources.
• Maintain timely and consistent correspondence with supervisor.

Peer Leader Responsibilities (Res Life / Evening) :

• Collaborate with co-peer leader to plan and implement 6 Independent Living Skills programs per semester.
• In advance, plan ILS programs for the upcoming month; submit monthly plans to supervisor one week before the 1st of each month
• Advertise ILS programs to EXCEL residence life students at least one week prior to program date (via email, text, word of mouth, etc.).
• Coordinate schedule with co-peer leader to ensure at least 1 peer leader is in attendance at every program.
• Work to involve and advertise to Peer Mentors and non-program Scott Hall residents in ILS programs.
• Maintain timely and consistent correspondence with supervisor.

Qualifications :

• Must have a minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher.
• Must be a full-time Junior or Senior residential student at BSU or live within three miles from campus.
• Must have at least one year of experience as a Peer Mentor in the EXCEL program.
• Possess initiative, motivation, creativity, patience and flexibility.
• Be in good standing with BSU no active judicial sanctions.
• Complete and pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI).

Day Peer Leaders must : Have availability during mid-morning / early afternoon on weekdays to accommodate attending activities / events

Evening / Res Life Peer Leaders must :

Have availability during afternoon / evening to accommodate programming

Qualifications :

• Must have a minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher.
• Must be a full-time Junior or Senior residential student at BSU or live within three miles from campus.
• Must have at least one year of experience as a Peer Mentor in the EXCEL program.
• Possess initiative, motivation, creativity, patience and flexibility.
• Be in good standing with BSU no active judicial sanctions.
• Complete and pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI).

Day Peer Leaders must : Have availability during mid-morning / early afternoon on weekdays to accommodate attending activities / events

Evening / Res Life Peer Leaders must :

Have availability during afternoon / evening to accommodate programming