This position requires some on-campus/in-person facilitation as the University and Public Health guidelines allow.
Primary Purpose
The Peer Success Coach (PSC) supports a wide variety of Student Success Office programs and services for students to enhance their academic skills and personal development. PSCs are upper-year students from a variety of faculties and diverse student populations (e.g. international students, transfer students, student-athletes). PSCs will facilitate a variety of our academic programs, services and supports including 1-1 appointments, general and faculty-specific workshops and New Student Transition events/sessions. PSCs will also participate in the promotion of the Student Success Office’s programs and services.
As a PSC you will use your own personal and academic experiences to assist students in their academic skill-building and personal development including (but not limited to) study strategies, time management, note-taking, reading skills, and test preparation and test anxiety.
The specific PSC accountabilities, qualifications and/or training may vary based on the program, support and/or service the PSC supports.
Specific Accountabilities
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PSCs must be available to work at least two terms in the 2025-2026 year (can be non-consecutive due to program sequences and/or co-op)
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Be available to work approximately 5-6 hours a week (with some evening/weekend availability), up to a maximum of 10 hours per week
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Hours will vary based on the time of term. We may alter hours of work and schedules in accordance with student demand of services
Training and Professional Development
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All training will be delivered/completed online during the spring term (May-August)
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Participate in all required training, including but not limited to: UNIV 101 course grading, One-on-One Coaching Training, academic skills content training etc.
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Attend a weekly personal development seminar (determined based on class schedules)
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Attend weekly team meetings (as applicable based on the programs or services you are supporting)
Program and Service Delivery
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Provide guidance to students within an atmosphere of non-judgmental, collaborative, and experiential learning
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Act as a strong leader and positive role model for the Student Success Office and the University of Waterloo
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Be knowledgeable of the required content for the different programs and services you support. For example, reviewing key academic skills resources as you prepare for a workshop or 1-1 appointment with a student.
Administrative Duties
Assist with general program and service administration, which includes: tracking and submitting attendance, submitting payroll information, administering student feedback, submitting 1-1 client report forms, providing program feedback as required, and other tasks as they arise.
Qualifications
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Be a full or part-time registered student and in good academic standing
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Possess strong communication skills including active listening and public speaking
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Possess and demonstrate strong leadership skills to be a positive role model when helping students find their own paths to success
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Relevant experience working with diverse student populations
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Demonstrate a high level of professionalism in all modes of communication
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Demonstrate a willingness to get things done and make things better
Asset Qualifications
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Experience presenting to both small and large groups is an asset
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Experience working with other students in one-on-one settings (e.g. mentoring, tutoring) is an asset
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Completion of the SSO Foundational Training for Peer Leaders/ Foundations of Collaborative Leadership
Mandatory Training (if not already completed)
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1-1 Peer Coaching Training (online)
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Academic Skills Training (online)
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Weekly PD seminars
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Other training as required for specific programs or services
If you have any questions, please submit them to ssolearn@uwaterloo.ca.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply for this position, please email Dragana Kostic (ssolearn@uwaterloo.ca) with the subject line “Application: PSC”. Attach the following documents in a single pdf document with a unique file name (e.g. LastName_FirstName.pdf). The application deadline is April 7th, 2025 (by 9:00 am).
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A cover letter outlining why you are interested in this position and what skills and experience you bring to it.
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A one or two page résumé that highlights your qualifications and experience related to this position.