Transfer Peer Guides
BIOL 3001 – The Nature of Science and Research supports new transfer students in their transition to CBS and prepares transfer students to engage in research while at the University of Minnesota and in future career paths. Course activities include searching for and reading research literature, exploring the ethics of research, meeting and visiting the labs of current university researchers, completing lab safety training, and writing a résumé.

The Transfer Peer Guide position is a paid leadership opportunity within CBS and BIOL 3001.  Transfer Peer Guides will provide vital peer support to new transfer students in BIOL 3001 to aid in their transition to CBS. 

Transfer Peer Guide Job Description
As a Transfer Peer Guide, you should expect to spend an average of 4 hours per week on your responsibilities, which include:

• Serving as a Learning Assistant and Peer Guide for new transfer students in BIOL 3001
  • Attend class sessions of BIOL 3001
  • Facilitate small group discussions in BIOL 3001
  • Provide feedback on student assignments/reflections
  • Collaborate with course instructor on designing BIOL 3001 curriculum
  • Opportunity may be available to facilitate a class session individually or in a team with another Transfer Peer Guide
  • Support new transfer students in their transition to CBS
  • Communicate with the BIOL 3001 course instructor and program coordinator in response to student questions or concerns
• Participating in regular training and Transfer Peer Guide meetings related to your duties
  • Training throughout the fall semester will include topics such as group facilitation techniques, interpersonal communication, and conflict management
  • Transfer Peer Guide meetings with the BIOL 3001 course instructor and program coordinator will occur immediately after class
• Assist with new transfer student events, as time allows
  • This may include participating on a student panel, assisting with Transfer Welcome Day in August, and other events

Eligibility and Qualifications

• You must have the class time of BIOL 3001 open in your schedule;
• Enrolled in CBS with a minimum of six credits;
• CBS transfer student (transferred into CBS from outside the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities);
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and no campus disciplinary record at the time of application;
• Evidence of excellent oral/written communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a variety of people, including a diverse student body;
• Excellent organization skills, including the ability to manage and coordinate a variety of functions and to solve problems;
• Familiarity with University resources (academic support, personal support, learning abroad, research, etc.);
• Ability to maintain high level of self-motivation, humor, enthusiasm, maturity, and flexibility; and
• Attendance at training and other events, as time allows.