Encounters Senior Program Leader (Student)

American University•Washington, DC

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior 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 one 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.
Must have at least 1 semester of experience as an Encounters Program Leader.
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.
Approximately 3 hours of work per week for the duration of the Fall 2026 semester, weighed slightly more in the first half of the semester and less in the second half of the semester, totaling a maximum of 44 hours of work for the semester.
Campus employment should not exceed 27 hours per week for domestic students, or 20 hours per week for international students, totaling across all on-campus positions.
Encounters PLs must inform Encounters staff of other positions held on campus (Resident Assistant, AU Ambassador, etc.).
The position starts August 22nd, 2026, and ends on December 12, 2026.
Positions are available only for Encounters I courses in the fall.
A Fall 2026 position does not guarantee a Spring 2027 position.
Reapplications will be required for all future semesters.
Approximately 5-7 Senior Program Leaders will be hired for the Fall 2026 semester.
Completion of the supplemental application, and upon invite, an interview: https://airtable.com/appvIR0PTGZy5xggj/shrcFELHSrPvmBwI5

Nice To Haves

Experience as an AU Orientation Leader is a plus.

Responsibilities

Participate in Fall Program Leader Orientation, in person (DATE: August 24th, 2026).
Complete 2-hour asynchronous training, August 22nd and 23rd, 2026.
Complete SPL Training, in person (DATE: August 25th, 2026).
Participate in one-hour weekly cohort or Aerie meetings, in person.
Complete a 1:1 check-in with program staff (mid-semester).
Assigned to one section of Encounter AU (potential to take on two sections).
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.
Be available as a mentor to PLs as they become oriented to the PL position, i.e. Providing encouragement, suggesting solutions to classroom issues, directing to appropriate resources, sharing tips & tricks for succeeding in classes, etc.
Meet biweekly with Encounters Program Coordinator.
Co-lead biweekly cohort meetings with the Encounters Program Coordinator.
Assist with additional responsibilities and special projects as needed, as assigned by the Encounters Program Coordinator.
Maintain regular communication with their Aerie and with program staff.
Contact program staff with program issues or concerns as necessary.
Assist with in-person events, lectures, and excursions related to the course.