Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Peer Educators in Residence

Where will I live?

There are PEIRs in Rubin, Lafayette, Hayden, Greenwich Hotel, Brittany, Third North, University Hall, University Court, or Palladium. We will place individuals in buildings based on their content knowledge/interest and staffing needs. Peer Educators in Residence must be eligible for the Fall 2006 Housing Lottery. Candidates should complete both the Peer Educator Application and the Housing Application and License Agreement by Friday, February 1, 2008. Candidates should meet all financial obligations required of the housing re-application process. Room assignments will be coordinated for accepted applicants.

How closely do the Peer Educators in Residence interact with the Resident Assistants (RAs) and Community Development Educators (CDEs)?

Peer Educators in Residence are part of the building staff. They serve as a resource to the other staff members and collaborate to create programs for students. PEIRs attend weekly building staff meetings and meet regularly with the CDE or ACDE. PEIRs participate in some departmental training with RAs and other team building activities.

Can I work for more than one office?

Our goal when selecting PEIRs is to maximize representation of the affiliated offices in each building. If you are not currently participating in a peer education program at NYU, it will be necessary for you to attend content specific training, coordinated by the Department of Residential Education and affiliate offices, prior to the beginning of the 2008-2009 academic year. Given the timeline of the training, it is not possible to be initially trained in more than one office. However, it is possible to receive additional training during your time as a Peer Educator in Residence, as long as this training does not prevent you from successfully fulfilling your responsibilities.

What is the compensation for Peer Educators in Residence?

Individuals who are selected to be PEIRs receive a $1,600 scholarship towards housing and meal plan costs. Please note that housing is not part of the compensation. Individuals who are interested in being PEIRs must be eligible for the Fall 2008 Housing Lottery and complete the Housing Application and License Agreement by Friday, February 1, 2008. Applicants should meet all financial obligations required of the housing re-application process.

What is the difference between an RA and a Peer Educator in Residence?

Both the PEIR and the Resident Assistant are valuable members of the building staff. Each has a distinct set of responsibilities. The Resident Assistant is charged with creating a community focused on the inclusion of all its members and the pursuit of academic success. The RA is also responsible for providing community development and educational programs, Residential Education policy enforcement, and other administrative duties. The Peer Educator in Residence serves as a resource to staff and students. The PEIR strives to build trustful relationships and support students in the identification of lower risk choices. Although PEIRs should serve as strong role models, they are not asked to be the first responder to policy violations.

Does being a Peer Educator in Residence give me a better chance of being an RA in the future?

There are many leadership opportunities that allow you to develop skills that may make you a successful RA candidate. The Peer Educator in Residence position is one such opportunity. We do not guarantee that PEIR will receive a future RA position. However, we trust that you will develop some valuable skills you will be able to utilize during the RA selection process.

Is it okay if I don't have previous Peer Educator training?

It is important that students who are selected to serve as Peer Educators in Residence receive the comprehensive training required to best respond to student needs. Some of the students applying for the PEIR position may be currently affiliated with a peer education program. However, it is not a requirement to have previous training. Rather, we are seeking individuals who are motivated to assist fellow students. Once hired, we will work to provide you the training necessary to feel confident in fulfilling your responsibilities.

Do Peer Educators in Residence enforce building policies, do lockouts, or other RA duties?

No. Peer Educators in Residence serve as a resource to students and building staff. They will work collaboratively with RAs, but their duties are distinct and do not include policy enforcement or lockouts. Although PEIRs do not enforce building policies, we do expect them to be role models and adhere to Residential Educational and campus policies including those related to alcohol consumption.