Summer 2012 Peer Counselor Application

The Opportunity Programs is currently accepting applications to become a summer Peer Counselor. Description Becoming a Peer Counselor is a dynamic leadership opportunity for HEOP and CSTEP students who have a desire to work with the incoming freshmen during the Opportunity Programs Pre-Freshman Summer Program. Peer Counselors will be assigned a cohort of in-residence or commuter pre-freshmen students and will be responsible for helping students adjust to NYU and college life. Peer Counselors will organize various activities throughout the summer for their cohort of students. These activities should be designed to build community and familiarize students with NYU and the resources available for them. The Peer Counselor position begins in the summer with the potential to work throughout the academic year for selected students. Primary Responsibilities: Familiarizing pre-freshmen students with the NYU campus environment by organizing activities/events, providing information and explaining oncampus resources. Developing trustful, non-judgmental relationships that support students through their transition from high school to college. Identifying themes and creating activities to acclimate students to the Greenwich Village neighborhood and the five boroughs of New York City.. Weekly/Weekend Events: The Peer Counselor is expected to take on a leadership role in the planning of various events and activities for the prefreshmen students both on and off campus during the summer. Previous summer events have included the OP Club Fair, movie night, games day, Six Flags, Commuter Sleep Over. Weekly/Weekend Meetings: The Peer Counselor holds periodic student meetings throughout the six-week Pre-Freshman Summer Program to facilitate general communication, sharing, and to encourage student engagement in the Opportunity Programs. Topics include understanding campus resources, commuting to campus, living with roommates, time management, money management tips and dealing with stress. Community Service & Event Planning A portion of time will be dedicated to the preparation and execution of mandatory community service activities for the pre-freshmen students who live in residence during the summer.

Qualifications: A current sophomore, junior or senior in the Opportunity Programs. In good academic standing with a minimum 3.2 cumulative grade point average. (Freshmen applicants-we will look at your fall semester cumulative grade point average). Leadership capabilities demonstrated through active involvement in student organizations at NYU. Demonstrate knowledge of the Universitys resources and services specific to resident and/or commuter students.

Excellent time management skills, record keeping, attention to detail, and the ability to effectively manage a student activity budget of up to $500 for the entire six-week summer program. For the in-residence Peer Counselor position, applicants must currently live in University housing. For the commuter Peer Counselor position, applicants must be a commuter student.

Application Requirements: Application Form (attached) Current resume and cover letter Unofficial NYU transcript Your OP Counselor will be contacted for a verbal recommendation

Hours & Administrative Duties: Position Start Date: Monday, June 19, 2012 Position End Date: August 10, 2012 (last day of the summer program) Peer Counselors work on average 15-25 hours per week, including some weekends where required. Peer Counselors must be available to work during the hours of 9am to 6pm, Monday through Friday during the entire Summer Program. 2012 Mandatory Dates for all Peer Counselors Freshman Orientation: Saturday, May 19, 2012 Training and Retreat: June (dates TBA)* Peer Counselor Weekly Staff Meeting: Dates to be determined

*Please note that if you are unable to attend the trainings, you will not be considered for the position.There are In-Residence and Commuter positions. The Peer Counselor positions are highly competitve with only a 10 openings available for Summer 2012. Only selected candidates will be invited for an interview.

PEER COUNSELOR APPLICATION Please fill out the following application and attach your resume, a brief cover letter and unofficial transcript. Submit to LaToya Lewis at latoya@nyu.edu DEADLINE: May 14, 2012 PLEASE PRINT Name: School: Major/Minor: Can you receive text messages: Email: Primary Phone: OP Counselor: __ Yes __ No

_____________________________________________________________ Why did you choose to attend NYU?

Tell me about a time you had a conflict with someone at school, work or any other area of your life and how did you handle it?

Why are you interested in the Peer Counselor position?

List five skills that you can bring to the Peer Counselor position? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Describe in one sentence why you are an ideal Peer Counselor?

Are you planning to apply for a summer internship, research program or take a class this summer?

Upon receipt and review of your application, you will be contacted via email if you are chosen for an interview.