New U101 Peer Leaders are prepared for their role through ongoing training that provides them with information and support when they need it and when they are ready to receive it.
Once selected, New Peer Leaders are required to attend Spring Orientation, Course Planning Workshop, and Fall Training prior to being eligible to serve as a Peer Leader in fall 2026.
Through an online application, candidates are encouraged to reflect on their previous beyond-the-classroom experiences and how these experiences have contributed to their preparation for this leadership role. Peer leaders are asked to consider their personal and professional goals and articulate in what ways the UNIV 101 peer leader experience will help them achieve successful outcomes.
*The application to serve as a peer leader in fall 2026 will be available September 15.*
Application Timeline:
When are U101 Peer Leader Interviews?
What happens in a U101 Peer Leader interview?
University 101 Peer Leader interviews are group interviews with at most eight candidates in an interview room. Each interview will be conducted by a University 101 Staff Member, Instructor, and Peer Leader. Through a series of activities and questions, the interviews aim to make peer leaders aware of intended program outcomes and role model facilitation techniques, community building and active learning strategies.
One question we receive frequently is, "what should I wear to interviews?" Our guidance is to wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident! There is no dress code for the interviews.
What happens after the interview?
After the interview you will receive one of three notifications: (1) a position offer, (2) a University 101 Peer Leader Alternate offer, or (3) no offer (unfortunatley, we are not able to offer the position to everyone who applies).
We will send out early decision/study abroad notification offers on Friday, November 14. If you are selected as a University 101 Peer Leader at this time, please confirm your acceptance of the position by Monday, December 1.
We will send out early decision/study abroad notification offers on Friday, November 14. If you are selected as a University 101 Peer Leader Alternate at this time, please confirm your acceptance of the position by Monday, December 1. Peer Leader Alternates are required to attend Spring Orientation in March and to complete the matching form to be eligible to serve in Fall 2026.
Since it is difficult to predict how many University 101 Peer Leaders we will need in the fall, we like to have a strong group of alternates.
As an alternate, you could be notified through mid-August if you are matched with a U101 section. Callyn Fahey, Assistant Director for Peer Leadership, will contact you if you are matched with a U101 section, so please check the email address indicated on your application, as that is the primary form of communication.
If you're studying abroad in Spring 2026, you will have the opportunity to attend a makeup Spring Orientation session. Additionally, materials from the Course Planning Workshop will be emailed to you so that you may begin collaborating with your teaching partner to establish rapport and design your course.
Spring Orientation is 2 hours and is the official introduction of University 101 peer leaders to their University 101 experience.
As a result of attending Spring Orientation, peer leaders will:
All new peer leaders are required to attend Spring Orientation. If you are studying abroad, there will be a virtual option.
These workshops provide an opportunity for instructors, peer leaders and graduate leaders to share and learn about effective strategies for achieving common course goals and learning outcomes.
All peer leaders (both new and returning) are required to attend Course Planning Workshop (ideally with your co-instructor). The only exception in this attendance requirement is for peer leaders who are studying abroad.
Fall training occurs before the start of the semester to provide peer leaders with
timely and relevant information and skills.
As a result of attending Fall Training, peer leaders will:
Additionally, the training equips peer leaders with strategies for the first week of class. All new peer leaders are required to attend.
Fall Semester
EDLP 520 is a required class for all new University 101 peer leaders. It is designed to provide a forum for reflection on and processing of the University 101 peer leader experience and to allow peer leaders to develop and practice important leadership skills that are transferable to other settings.
Fall 2025 EDLP Schedule
| Section | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 001 | Monday 2:20-3:35 |
Carolina Coliseum 2008 |
| 002 | Monday 3:55-5:10 |
Carolina Coliseum 2008 |
| 003 | Tuesday 8:30-9:45 |
Carolina Coliseum 2008 |
| 004 | Tuesday 10:05-11:20 |
Carolina Coliseum 2008 |
| 005 | Tuesday 11:40-12:55 |
Carolina Coliseum 2008 |
| 006 | Tuesday 1:15-2:30 |
Carolina Coliseum 2008 |
| 007 | Tuesday 2:50-4:05 |
Carolina Coliseum 2008 |
| 008 | Wednesday 2:20-3:35 |
Carolina Coliseum 2008 |
| 009 | Wednesday 3:55-5:10 |
Carolina Coliseum 2008 |
| 010 | Thursday 8:30-9:45 |
Carolina Coliseum 2008 |
| 011 | Thursday 10:05-11:20 |
Carolina Coliseum 2008 |
| 012 | Thursday 11:40-12:55 |
Carolina Coliseum 2008 |
| 013 | Thursday 1:15-2:30 |
Carolina Coliseum 2008 |
| 014 | Thursday 2:50-4:05 |
Carolina Coliseum 2008 |
EDLP Learning Outcomes:
Current U101 Peer leaders can access the electronic Faculty Resource Manual, lesson plans, game show templates, activities, and other support materials.
The Peer Leader Toolkit is both a manual for the peer leader role and a textbook for EDLP 520, the three-hour course that new peer leaders take during the semester in which they serve. The toolkit provides historical context for UNIV 101 and the Peer Leader Program; relevant information for performing the roles of resource, mentor and facilitator; guidelines for team teaching; and community-building activities and teaching strategies to use in the classroom.
During the fall semester, instructors and peer leaders will receive an email on Wednesdays that includes information and opportunities for instructors and students, resource spotlights and teaching tips.
| Link to Newsletter | Topics Included in Newsletter |
| September 12, 2025 |
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| September 5, 2025 |
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| August 29, 2025 |
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| August 22, 2025 |
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| August 15, 2025 |
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