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University 101 Programs

U101 Peer Leader Resources and Training

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. 

Peer Leader Development Model

Once selected, New Peer Leaders are required to attend Spring Orientation, Course Planning Workshop, and Fall Training prior to being elligble 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: 

  • October 17, 2025 - Early Decision/Study Abroad Application Deadline
  • November 3-7, 2025 - Early Decision/Study Abroad Interviews
  • January 14, 2026 - Final Application Deadline
  • February 2-6, 2026 -  Regular Decision Interviews

When are U101 Peer Leader Interviews?

  • If you apply by the early decision/study abroad deadline (Friday, October 17, 2025) and are invited to an interview -> interviews will take place from Monday, November 3 - Friday, November 7. 
  • If you apply by the regular decision deadline (January 14, 2026) and are invited to an interview -> interviews will take place from Monday, February 2 - Friday, February 6, 2026. 

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). 

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:

  • Understand the history, purpose, goals and success of UNIV 101
  • Understand the role, expectations and commitments of a UNIV 101 peer leader as it pertains to students, faculty members and the curriculum
  • Articulate desired roles and responsibilities in UNIV 101
  • Develop strategies for working in a teaching team.

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:

  • Articulate the role, expectations, and commitments of a University 101 Peer Leader as it pertains to students, faculty, and the curriculum.
  • Develop methods and ideas for specific UNIV 101 course content and activities.
  • Develop strategies to navigate challenges a University 101 Peer Leader may face.
  • Identify resources that will support success as a University 101 Peer Leader.

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:

  • Articulate the personal development resulting from the peer leader experience.
  • Apply knowledge of first-year students and engaging pedagogies to developing and delivering an effective lesson plan for use in University 101.
  • Develop and apply appropriate transferable skills, such as communication, helping and leadership skills.
  • Develop and share ideas for specific course activities/discussions.
  • Identify strategies to deal with challenges associated with the peer leader role.

Resources

 

SharePoint

Access the electronic Faculty Resource Manual, lesson plans, game show templates, activities, and other support materials.


Peer Leader Toolkit

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.


Weekly Peer Leader Newsletter

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
August 29, 2025
  • Alcohol Curriculum Resources
  • Referring Students to Resources
  • Weekly Co-Instructor Meetings
  • Curriculum Spotlight: Advising and Registration Lesson Plan
  • Campus Highlight: University Advising Center
  • Information For Your Students -- Access via this PowerPoint
    • Apply for Freshman Council
    • Leadership Opportunities
    • Finding Events On & Off Campus
    • Career Center Events
    • American Red Cross Blood Drive
    • Student Activities
August 22, 2025
  • FDOC Photos
  • Title IX Training Recording
  • Supply Checkout from the U101 Office
  • Curriculum Spotlight: Class Participation Conversation and Activity
  • Campus Highlight: Parking & Transportation Services
  • Information For Your Students -- Access via this PowerPoint
    • Gamecock School Supplies
    • USC Part Time Job Fair
    • Student Organization Fair
    • Night at the Fireflies
    • Additional Student Activities
August 15, 2025
  • Alcohol Lesson Plan Training: Friday, August 22
  • FDOC Photos!
  • Tips & Tricks for the First Day
  • Curriculum Spotlight: Community Building
  • Campus Highlight: Campus Recreation
  • Information For Your Students -- Access via this PowerPoint
    • USC Welcome Events
    • Helpful Campus Apps 
    • First Day Photos
    • Student Organization Fair
    • Additional Student Activities

 

 


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