Encounters Program Leader (Student)

American University•Washington, DC

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is available only to enrolled American University students. Most student positions at American University are eligible to use Federal Work Study (FWS) awards, with a few exceptions. FWS funds cannot be applied to janitorial, construction, partisan or sectarian positions. For information or questions regarding FWS funds, please contact American University's Office of Financial Aid. Important guidance for current American University employees: American University current employees, including those employed in student positions, must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into your employee Workday account and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings. Applying outside of your employee Workday account may cause delays in a hire process. The Program Leader plays an essential role in the Encounters I (Encounter AU: The Idea of the University, CORE-102/103) course by serving as a role model and important connection between instructors and students in their first year at AU. Program Leaders serve as student leaders in two sections of Encounters I and have a variety of responsibilities, primarily assisting their instructors by offering their unique perspective as an AU student. Encouraging student engagement, coordinating with their instructors on course planning, classroom management, and class logistics, creating connections with students, and providing updates and insights to students about campus life and events are some of the ways Program Leaders bring meaning to the classroom. Program Leaders will be assigned to two sections of approximately 30 students. Encounters I classes will meet 75-minutes every other week, and Program Leaders are expected to attend each class session. Additionally, Program leaders will participate in weekly cohort or Aerie meetings. Program Leaders also assist with in-person events and lectures related to the course as needed. An Aerie is an assigned group consisting of three to five Program Leaders and one Senior Program Leader.

Requirements

Priority given to those with confirmed placement as an Orientation Leader with New Student Orientation for Summer 2026 or placement with special-population sections.
Undergraduate student with sophomore standing or in their second year at AU with a minimum of 30 credits completed.
Completion of both Encounter AU or AUx1 (CORE-100/101/102/103/196) and AUx2 or AU Encounters (CORE-200/201/202), unless it was not a requirement for you.
Must maintain good judicial and academic standing.
Demonstrated leadership in the American University community.
Final hiring is contingent on the Encounters Program’s ability to assign you to sections based on the availability you provide.
OLs will be matched to an OL Group based on their availability for Encounter AU class times; OL-group rosters will match Encounter AU rosters.
Encounters PLs must inform Encounters staff of other positions held on campus (Resident Assistant, AU Ambassador, etc.).

Responsibilities

Participate in Fall Program Leader Orientation, in person (DATE: August 24th, 2026). Complete 2-hour asynchronous training, August 22nd and 23rd, 2026.
Participate in one-hour weekly cohort or Aerie meetings, in person (Cohort Meetings: Wednesdays, 1-2pm).
Complete a 1:1 check-in with program staff (mid-semester).
Attend Encounters I classes as assigned.
Regularly coordinate with your assigned instructor, meeting once per week or every other week and maintaining regular communication via email.
Arrive to class prepared, reviewing the proper class materials ahead of time as needed (in coordination with your instructor).
Develop and lead a 5-10-minute lesson and/or activity in class once per week; Topics may include: PL Insights, Things You Should Know About AU, How to be a Successful College Student, Things I Wish I Knew as a First Year at AU, etc.
Support the engagement and active learning of students, meaningfully contributing to classroom dialogue.
Be available as a mentor to students as they become oriented to AU, i.e. Suggesting weekly co-curricular events to attend and/or meeting students at those events, recommending clubs for involvement, tips & tricks for succeeding in classes, etc.
Meet with students by appointment as needed.
PLs requiring early move-in on Saturday, August 22nd must volunteer during move-in on Sunday, August 23rd.
Maintain regular communication with your assigned Senior Program Leader.
Contact program staff with program issues or concerns as necessary.
Assist with in-person events, lectures, and excursions related to the course.