The First-Term Seminar (FTS) Program in the Challenge Curriculum contains an advising component that emphasizes an introduction to college resources and the college curriculum, encourages students to explore their values, and fosters a mentoring community on campus. To enhance the advising component, faculty are bringing Peer Mentors, Academic Leaders, & Teachers (Peer MALTs) into the FTS classroom. These returning students (typically in their third- and fourth-year) share their own experiences and knowledge of campus resources while delivering the Advising Curriculum.
Peer MALTs assist courses with:
Introducing students to the process of academic planning, registration, and advising
Familiarizing students with college policies, procedures, and deadlines
Introducing campus resources and out-of-classroom learning opportunities
Supporting new students in their transition to college.
For Fall 2026: The Peer MALT course (4 credits; CHAL for first-time MALTs, WRIT for returners) will meet on Mondays and Fridays from 8-9:05am. The Monday/Friday meetings are required and non-negotiable. Peer MALTs will also lead one 50-minute session in a FTS section each week. This session will be at the same day/time with the same FTS section all semester.
STATUS REPORT: Applications for the Peer MALT program are NOW OPEN for Fall 2026!
Application deadline: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Students with questions about the program should contact the 2025 Peer MALT Coordinator, Prof. Martin Lang - mlang3@gustavus.edu - or FTS Director, Prof. Thia Cooper - tcooper@gustavus.edu interim FTS director Dean Dave Stamps (dstamps@gustavus.edu)
To speak with a previous Peer MALT, contact Becca Beranek (beccab), Gage Gohl (gagegohl), Madeline Wilker (mawilker), or Josie Woldemar (josiew). They are happy to tell you more about their experiences and answer your questions.
Foster connections and relationships with first-year students through interactions in and out of the classroom. Encourage growth and resiliency by providing support and promoting resource use.
Organize, orient, and lead first-year students, taking responsibility for their understanding of and enculturation to Gustavus. Model academic and social skills expected of Gustavus students.
Instruct 50-minute sessions each week during the Fall semester. Participate in the evolution of the Advising Curriculum by preparing, delivering, and adapting the weekly lesson plans.
Receive training, development, support and general education credits by enrolling in
NDL-298 Peer MALT
(4 credits; Challenge Seminar) or
NDL-398 Peer MALT II
(4 credits; WRITL; prerequisite: NDL-298). Connect with a cohort and develop/enrich connections with faculty, staff, and administrators.
College teaching
Lesson design
Reflection
Writing
Leadership
Connections on college
Mentorship
Speaking
Time management
Problem solving
Critical thinking
Interpersonal skills