UHP Peer Academic Coaching Overview

Peer Academic Coaches (PACs) in the University Honors Program (UHP) play an important role in helping first-year students adjust to life at FAU. The position provides meaningful opportunities to mentor peers, build community, and strengthen professional skills.

Benefits of Serving as a PAC:

• Support first-year Honors students in their academic and personal transition.

• Serve as a mentor and role model within the Honors community.

• Provide guidance on academic expectations and connect students with campus resources.

• Develop leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Contribute to a welcoming and supportive UHP environment.

• Gain professional experience that enhances résumés and future opportunities.

Position Overview

The UHP Academic Coach role provides an opportunity to develop leadership skills, mentor first-year students, and contribute to the Honors community. Academic Coaches support new students in their transition to FAU while gaining valuable professional and interpersonal experience.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate or co-facilitate discussions and activities during the UHP SLS 1501 common hour.

• Record and maintain attendance for assigned students.

• Participate in a training session prior to the start of the semester.

• Engage in professional development sessions during the common hour on non-coaching days.

• Provide individualized and group academic coaching for first-year Honors students.

• Demonstrate knowledge of FAU’s academic and co-curricular resources and make appropriate referrals.

• Promote student engagement through outreach via phone, email, or the Navigate platform.

• Assist in planning and organizing activities for the common hour.

• Contribute to program initiatives such as social media content and newsletters.

• Maintain confidentiality of student records and uphold professional ethics.

Benefits

• Development of leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Experience in mentoring and peer support.

• Opportunities to build connections within the University Honors Program community.

• Professional experience that strengthens résumés and graduate/professional school applications.

Position Term

• The role is semester-based during the fall term only, with the possibility of renewal depending on performance and funding availability for paid positions.

Position Requirements

To qualify for a Peer Academic Coach position, applicants must:

• Have completed or will have completed 30 + credits with a minimum 3.0 overall GPA
• Be registered at least half-time (6+ credits) at FAU as a degree-seeking student. 
• Be in good disciplinary standing with the University and UHP.
• Possess strong verbal communication, organization, and time management skills.
• Have a desire to help peers successfully transition to FAU.
• Must pass a university criminal background check.
• Complete student employee onboarding through FAU workday account.

Benefits of Becoming a UHP Peer Academic Coach

Serving as a Peer Academic Coach (PAC) is both a rewarding way to support first-year Honors students and a valuable opportunity for personal and professional growth. PACs contribute to the UHP community while developing skills and experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.

Key Benefits:

• Mentor and support first-year UHP students as they transition into university life.

• Serve as a positive role model and help build a welcoming Honors community.

• Provide guidance on academic expectations and connect peers with campus resources.

• Gain leadership, mentorship, and public speaking experience that enhances résumés.

• Strengthen applications for graduate or professional programs (e.g., law, medicine, dentistry).

• Continue receiving priority advanced course registration after completing UHP requirements.

• Develop confidence in communication, organization, and presentation skills.

• Participate in professional development and networking with FAU faculty and staff.

• Contribute to a supportive environment that fosters both academic and personal success.

Application Process

Students interested in serving as a UHP Peer Academic Coach have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the academic journeys of first-year Honors students while also enhancing their own leadership and professional skills.

Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following materials with their application: 

• Current résumé highlighting relevant academic, leadership, or professional experiences.
• Personal statement (maximum two pages, double-spaced) reflecting on motivations for becoming a Peer Academic Coach, strategies for fostering an inclusive and engaging environment, and experiences that have prepared them for this role. The statement should also address how the position aligns with future academic, leadership, and career goals.

Timeline

Recruitment for Peer Academic Coaches takes place during the spring semester in preparation for the following fall term.

Questions?

For more information about the role or the application process, contact Heather Smith, Assistant Director, University Honors Program at smithh@fau.edu.