Internships

Looking for a flexible, meaningful on-campus internship that emphasizes leadership and professional development? The First-Year Experience office hires second-year (and above) students—including grad students—who want to support their campus community through near-peer mentorship and academic event planning.

FYE is a learning community rooted in a Communities of Practice (CoP) model. CoPs thrive when new members bring fresh ideas and perspectives, so we value curiosity and enthusiasm. We regularly reflect on our practices to evolve our events and help our staff grow professionally.

Leadership Opportunities

The roles listed are our entry-level positions. FYE utilizes a training model to help students navigate into leadership roles with more responsibilities. Those interested in leadership complete a semester-long training program under the mentorship of an experienced Team Lead. Applications are available on a cyclical schedule in the spring semester and can be submitted through Handshake.

Peer Academic Leaders (PAL)

A PAL Newcomer is a more-experienced peer who is trained to support first-year students by:

• Actively facilitating learning in the classroom by encouraging students to participate, providing feedback, and guiding students through activities
• Building community within student teams by leading icebreakers and community-building activities and by maintaining a team mindset
• Acting as a resource guide for students who are new to campus and may not know all that Chico State has to offer
• Modeling successful college student behaviors by engaging with the material and utilizing time management systems and resources on campus

A PAL Oldtimer is a more-experienced PAL who is trained to support PAL Newcomers and Faculty by:

• Modeling successful mentor behaviors to PAL Newcomers in the classroom by encouraging students to participate, providing feedback, and guiding students through activities
• Building community within FYE staff teams by leading a weekly team meeting
• Acting as a resource guide for PAL Newcomers and FYE Faculty who are new to FYE and may not know all that the office has to offer
• Creating a support system for FYE Faculty by leading a weekly Faculty Meeting

UNIV 389: Theory and Practice for FYE Interns

All FYE staff are required to successfully complete UNIV 389 each semester of their employment. UNIV 389 is an examination of the learning theory and foundational literature guiding our work in First-Year Experience. The internship supports our goal to be a learning organization, where student staff are both employees and learners. The one-unit elective course is a required part of employment in FYE. Read our Community Agreements to learn more about what drives the culture of FYE.