University Studies is accepting applications for Senior Peer Advisors (SPAs) for Spring and Fall 2026 to support PA supervision, team management, and program development. This paid leadership role is open to current and former PAs seeking to build skills in program planning, training, supervision, presentations, and HR. SPAs play a key role in strengthening the UNIV Peer Advisor program.
SPA general responsibilities include planning and leading PA staff meetings, observing PAs and providing feedback, supervising a small team of PAs, meeting with PAs biweekly and planning and implementing PA programs.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist with the supervision and development of current PAs (with assistance of Program Manager and GA), including but not limited to:
- Coordinating and attending biweekly meetings with assigned PA small team.
- Leading small team of PAs in planning and implementing one event – open to George Mason Students.
- Attending bi-weekly SPA meetings with Program manager and GA
- Conducting mid-semester PA observations and evaluations and providing feedback to PAs.
- Communicating important information regularly to PAs, answering emails in a timely manner.
- Serving as a role model for PAs.
- Assisting PAs with challenges they might encounter and providing them with support and guidance.
- Managing the professional development of PAs.
- Assisting UNIV 100 staff with the management of programs as appropriate, including assisting in program development.
- Serving as liaisons with other campus offices and student teams as appropriate. Assisting UNIV with other university wide programs.
- Attend PA monthly large team meetings
- Attend PA spring retreat. (March 21, 2026)
Qualifications:
Eligible candidates must:
- Be a full-time student currently enrolled at George Mason University.
- Be a current UNIV PA who has co-taught the course for at least one semester prior to the beginning of their term. Former PAs may apply with permission.
- Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Take initiative, demonstrate strong leadership ability and strong commitment to the UNIV 100 and PA goals.
- Be available and ready to commit significant time to the SPA position (especially in the Fall semester).
- Remain in good academic/disciplinary standing and hold at minimum a 2.5 GPA.
- Be enrolled in a manageable class schedule that would permit dedication to the training responsibilities.
- Not hold outside employment that directly interferes with the role of SPA.
*Students graduating in May or August are ineligible for this position due to the SPA requirements in the Fall. Students graduating in December are eligible for this position.*
TIMELINE
An estimated timeline of responsibilities is as follows:
February 2026:
• Meet with SPA team and PA team monthly.
March, April, May:
• Assist in planning spring retreat for new and returning PAs, including managing communication to PAs, and creating an agenda for the retreat.
• Assist with University Studies events.
August, September, October, November, December:
• Assist in planning PA kickoff meeting.
• Meet with small team bi-weekly in September – December.
• Plan one event with small team along with another SPA and small team
• Attend PA large team meetings monthly.
• Observe PAs classroom performance in September and provide feedback.
COMPENSATION
- SPAs will receive $1,000 for a February 1st – February 1st time commitment ($300 during the spring semester and $700 for the fall semester).
IMPORTANT DATES
Mandatory Spring 2026 Dates:
• PA Large Team Staff Meetings: Select Tuesdays from 7:20 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
February 24th, 2026
April 21st, 2026
• Spring Retreat Day: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Optional Spring 2026 Dates:
• University 330 Returning PA Panels
Mandatory Fall 2026 Dates:
• PA Kick Off: Sunday before the 1st week of Fall classes. Lunch Provided.
• PA Large Team Meetings: Select Tuesdays of every month from 7:20 p.m.-9 p.m.
• Small Team Meetings: Dates to Be Determined