What are the responsibilities and job description for the PALS Peer Advisor position at University of Michigan?
How to Apply
A resume and cover letter are required.
Job Summary
The Student Advising and Resource Team (START) at the University of Michigan-Dearborn is looking for a Peer Advisor for Learning and Success, also known as PALS, for the Fall 2026-Winter 2027 academic year. PALS are peer advisors who work with all undergraduate students from all majors to develop strategies for academic success. PALS primarily offers one-on-one support to students and occasionally hosts and co-hosts events across campus.
Anticipated start date: November 9th, 2026.
Please note: PALS is an in-person position, however, the option of working remotely may be considered and is dependent on the needs of the program.
Responsibilities*
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
A resume and cover letter are required.
Job Summary
The Student Advising and Resource Team (START) at the University of Michigan-Dearborn is looking for a Peer Advisor for Learning and Success, also known as PALS, for the Fall 2026-Winter 2027 academic year. PALS are peer advisors who work with all undergraduate students from all majors to develop strategies for academic success. PALS primarily offers one-on-one support to students and occasionally hosts and co-hosts events across campus.
Anticipated start date: November 9th, 2026.
Please note: PALS is an in-person position, however, the option of working remotely may be considered and is dependent on the needs of the program.
Responsibilities*
- Providing outreach to students who are referred to PALS by their advisor or professor
- Consulting with students about their current academic strategies and developing personalized academic success plans that complement their schedule, degree program, and learning style
- Following-up with students and providing additional support and resources if needed
- Creating academic success resources to share with students, faculty, and staff across campus
- Developing programs and events that showcase our services and connect students with campus resources
- Working as a team to find new ways to support students and student supporters
- Current undergraduate student at UM-Dearborn
- A desire to help others
- Accountability, integrity, and self motivation with regard to one's actions and responsibilities
- Ability to work as part of a team, including a willingness to coordinate time with PALS and other campus partners to work on projects throughout the week
- Innovation, creativity, and initiative
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite
- Knowledge of campus resources and how to navigate the UM-Dearborn website
- Sophomore-Senior standing
- 3.0 GPA or higher
- Ability to work the full academic year
- Prior customer service or student club/organization experience
- Critical thinking/problem solving - accurately interpret and summarize information shared by students and ability to create an appropriate action plan
- Communication - frame communication with respect to diversity of learning styles, varied individual communication abilities, and cultural differences
- Teamwork/collaboration - employ personal strengths, knowledge, and talents to complement those of others
- Technology - identify appropriate technology for completing specific tasks
- Leadership - motivate and inspire others through encouragement and by building mutual trust
- Professionalism/work ethic - demonstrate dependability (e.g., report consistently for work or meetings)
- Career and self development - identify personal areas of growth and share with your supervisor and team so they can support your development goals
- Equity and inclusion - keep an open mind to diverse ideas and new ways of thinking
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.