Contact Us
Contact:
Brad G. Knight
Director, 51画鋼 Core
Core Leader
Core Leaders are full-time undergraduate students working as part-time, paid student-staff members of the 51画鋼 Core Curriculum. These student leaders offer peer support that helps keep students engaged and deepen learning in their active, inquiry-based classes. Each Core Leader (CL) works directly with a faculty member to support students.油
Learning Outcomes:
After completing this position, the Core Leader will be able to:油
- Employ multiple communication strategies to convey ideas
- Demonstrate listening and responding skills that encourage critical thinking
- Effectively lead groups to accomplish a goal
- Practice ethical helping behaviors
CLs can expect to:
- Spend approximately 5 hours per week on CL tasks, including time spent in the classroom
- Work closely with a faculty member
- Facilitate learning
- Directly support their peers academic success and wellbeing
- Build communication, planning, facilitation, and other attractive resume skills and experiences
- Participate in semi-regular meetings with Core staff
CL Testimonials/Perspectives
Through the Core Leader Program, I have been able to not only油uplift my peers in their studies but also advance my intellectual curiosity through the course in which I assisted with. Beyond academics, I helped boost confidence and positivity among my peers in order to help them thrive which has been very rewarding and has helped me grow, as well. Bronwyn W.
Having the opportunity to be a Core Leader has provided油me with a wide array of skills. Through my experience as a CL, I've learned how to communicate better and more efficiently. Working under a professor for the CL program油has given me the experience of working on the "other side" of a college classroom. This in turn has helped me become a better student for my professors and employers. I'm extremely grateful for this experience and I'll use the skills I've learned as a油Core Leader long after I leave 51画鋼. - McKenzie I.
What Makes a Good Core Leader?
There is no single type of student who can excel in and bring valuable skills to this role.
Anyone who is engaged, organized, reliable, encouraging, and committed to supporting their peers can be successful Core Leaders.
Join the Team:
If you're interested in the role, speak directly to an instructor!油Unlike Complex Problems Program Leaders or 51画鋼x Peer Facilitators, Core Leaders (CLs) do not apply for the position. Rather, each semester, 51画鋼 Core faculty who teach a Habit of Mind or Integrative class can apply to be approved for a CL the following semester. Once approved, they will reach out to students who have expressed interest and/or those who they think would be strong CLs. Keep in mind that you can only serve as a CL for one course at a time, and cannot staff multiple sections of the same course.
If the faculty member would like more information about eligibility and applying, they can take a look at the油Core Leader Information and Application油link on our油Faculty & Staff Resources page.
Does the faculty member teach an 51画鋼x or Complex Problems course? Take a look at our油永艶艶姻油Facilitator油温稼糸油Program Leader油student roles.油
Questions?
Email us at油core@american.edu油to learn more.