Job Details

PALs create a transformational experience for new students and facilitate community-building and belonging for the entire campus community.  This position is ideal for any student who wants to build leadership and employability skills and make a difference while a UNC Asheville student. Peer Advising Leaders (PALs) support the IGNITE Program by mentoring first-year students and leading them through a 9-week leadership development curriculum throughout the Fall 2026 semester. Additionally, PALs have the OPTION of continuing in their role in the Spring 2027 semester and leading a cohort of first-year students through six learning pathways and critical reflection.

This application will close on Monday, January 26, 2026. If you have any questions, email vsmith7@unca.edu.

We will conduct rolling interviews beginning the first week of classes in the Spring semester. Once you apply, you will receive an email to schedule an interview time.

Required training: PALs will be required to attend training once a week from March 17th until the end of the semester - this training will be paid

Time Commitment - note that all of the dates and times below are mandatory

Spring 2026 Training 

• PALs will attend five evening training sessions in Spring 2026.  These training sessions are mandatory.  They will welcome PALs to the IGNITE program, facilitate relationship-building among PALs and program staff, and introduce PALs to campus partners and resources.  Dates and times for the training are TBD and will be communicated as soon as the schedule is determined.

August 2026 Training and Events 

• PALs will be expected to move back to campus in early August 2026 for a training that will run for 2-3 days. This will be a busy couple of days filled with lots of training, relationship-building, and fun! 

• Once classes start and the IGNITE program begins, PALs can expect to work between two and four hours per week, including time with their IGNITE cohort, prep time for IGNITE sessions, and attending campus events with first-year students.

Below is an overview - dates will be confirmed soon: 

• Early August 2026: PALs will be expected to move back to campus and be prepared for in-person training the following day.

• Early August 2026: PALs will attend a retreat to connect with other PALs and prepare for the year ahead. All lodging, meals, and transportation will be provided throughout the retreat.

• August 13 - 16, 2026:  PALs will meet their IGNITE cohorts at the end of EmBark Orientation and facilitate the first IGNITE session, “Finding Your Spark.”  Following the session, PALs will attend the “First Year Firelight” event on the Quad with their cohorts to mark the end of EmBark and beginning of IGNITE.

• Monday, August 17, 2026: First Day of Classes - PALs will attend LA 271:  Applied Leadership Development at 5:30 PM.

• August 17 - December 7, 2026: PALs attend 9 class sessions on Mondays from 5:30-7:00pm and meet with their IGNITE cohorts approximately every other week throughout the Fall semester during their assigned time.

-Applicants should be enthusiastic about bringing students to UNCA's campus and helping them connect with their peers.

-Good academic and University standing including successfully passing the core requirement of FYS (or as a transfer student who was exempt from taking the course).

-2.5 GPA or higher. Applicants who are below the GPA requirement who would like to apply should submit a letter stating their specific situation and provide the name of a faculty or staff member who would support their application to the program.

-Must be a current student who has completed at least one full fall or spring semester at UNC Asheville before the start date of the program.

-Demonstrated leadership potential, be self-motivated, and have a positive attitude