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First-Year Experience (FYE) Leadership Programs

The Office of First-Year Experience Programs & Initiatives focuses to provide a welcoming and supportive environment that prepares you with valuable resources that are critical in transitioning successfully here at Concordia University Irvine. Our office has two levels of leadership: Peer Advising Leaders (PALs) and Peer Advising Coordinators (PACs). These leadership positions are unique ministries on campus that embody a Christ-like, servant leadership philosophy.

Peer Advising Leaders (PALs)

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  • Serve as the front line student ambassadors of CUI during SOAR, Spring Orientation and INT 100: Foundations.
  • PALs are sophomores, juniors, or seniors who intentionally invest in our new students' lives from the very first day they arrive on campus.
  • There are two groups of PALs: Freshmen PALs and Transfer PALs. Each group focuses on the needs of each group and strives to provide a meaningful and welcoming experience to Concordia.
  • Freshmen PALs work alongside instructors to assist with class discussions and activities.
  • PALs enroll in INT 105: Leadership, a 3-unit course to help students grow their understanding of leadership development. Once this class has been completed, student leaders do not have to take this course again.
  • PALs are required to host/coordinate at least 4 on/off campus social gatherings for their students throughout the semester. These intentional interactions aim to foster the students' sense of belonging to the campus community.
  • PALs volunteer their time and efforts.

Peer Advising Coordinators (PACs)

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  • Supervise the Peer Advising Leaders (PALs) and take a lead role in developing and preparing Student Orientation Activities and Registration (SOAR), and facilitating Spring Orientation.
  • Assist with spring and fall PAL training with the Director of First-Year Experience Programs & Initiatives.
  • There are a total of 4 PACs that oversee PALs throughout the Fall semester.
  • Hours for this position are approximately 5 hours a week in the fall and spring, and between 20-30 hours a week in the summer (June – August).

PAL Trailer

PALs ceremony

PAL Trailer

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