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 & 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
I’m ready to apply! Where’s the link?
- Check Handshake in mid-March for FYE job postings! FYE hires in spring semesters (after Spring Break) for the following fall semester, and contracts are given on a semester-to-semester basis; however, many staff are rehired for further semesters, and it is common for staff to stay with FYE until graduation.
I’ve applied! Now what?
- Keep an eye on your csuchico email for an email from fye@csuchico.edu with a link to a Bookings page to schedule your in-person interview! FYE conducts in-person interviews for *all prospective employees, because the work we do is entirely in-person. No remote work will be assigned or authorized for student staff at any point, so we like to start in-person from the very beginning of a staff member’s employment.
* Zoom interviews are available for incoming transfer students who are not yet on campus and looking for work for the upcoming fall semester. If you are eligible for a Zoom interview, further details will be provided when the interview is scheduled.
I got an interview!! How do I prepare?
- Follow the instructions in your email! Each role has a different focus for the interview, based on the expectations for the role. Prospective PALs are asked to demonstrate a community building activity that can be:
- led by a PAL
- completed in the classroom
- with a group of 5-7 first-year students
- in ~5 minutes
- with materials that the PAL will supply (if any are required)
- FYE Tip: Think carefully about an activity that is low stakes enough that it won't make students nervous, but also encourages the students to discover interests or experiences that they have in common to encourage community building. If this feels challenging, that’s okay! Bring your questions and/or concerns to the interview. FYE is a learning community, and we don’t expect incoming staff to come with all of the skills they need to do the job. We provide a lot of on the job training and asking for feedback is highly encouraged.
