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General Overview
General Overview
About the Program:
The PAL Program connects incoming students with a dedicated Peer Academic Leader (PAL) as they begin their studies at UMKC. We strive to empower each Scholar towards personal and academic prosperity by connecting Scholars to resources and aiding them in identifying partners in their educational journey.
What We Do:
Peer Academic Leaders (PALs):
Meet one-on-one with scholars
Facilitate workshops
Receive opportunities for personal and professional development
PALs also serve as important members of the support team for the UMKC Essentials First Semester Experience course and provide mentorship to the incoming class of UMKC students.
Who We Support:
Peer Academic Leaders support all incoming Freshmen enrolled in the First Semester Experience course. We also provide mentoring to PAL Scholars, including:
KC Scholars
Bloch Scholars
PAL Provisionally Admission Students
Professional Career Escalators Scholars
and any other UMKC undergraduate student who chooses to participate in our programming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of things can PALs help with during the FSE class sessions?
PALs should frequent participators in class discussions, sharing their expertise as experienced UMKC students.
PALs can demonstrate best practices for using UMKC systems
PALs may assist you with taking attendance
PALs will lead or contribute to key lessons throughout the semester including Strategic Planning in Week Two. For a full guide of PAL contributions to weekly lectures, click here.
Can I ask my PAL to make additional contributions to a particular weekly lecture (beyond what is listed in the week by week guide)?
Most likely! Please make requests at least one week in advance so your PAL has time to prepare during their office hours.
Copy PAL Program Director Susi Krulewich on your requests: krulewichs@umkc.edu. This will ensure a timely response even if your PAL is not scheduled to work on the day you send the email.
What kinds of things can PALs help with during 1:1 meetings with students?
PALs can help students learn to navigate UMKC systems (Connect, Pathway, Canvas, PlanMyDegree, RooGroups, etc), develop college success skills (study strategies, time management), and serve as general resource to share their expertise as an experienced UMKC student.
How often to FSE students meet with a PAL?
FSE students are required to meet with their PAL three times. Deadlines, scheduling processes, and grading rubrics are included in the Canvas assignments for each meting.
Grdes for Required PAL Meetings are reported to instructors at the end of each meeting time frame. No submission is required from the student.
FSE students can earn Impact Experience elective credit for two additional meetings and/or attending PAL Program events.
Is the PAL for my FSE section the same PAL my students are meeting with for 1:1s?
Sometimes but not always. Students can find out who their "Assigned PAL" is for 1:1 meetings by checking their UMKC Connect or emailing umkcpalprogram@umkc.edu. Some PALs only work 2-3 hours a week outside of attending FSE so it would not be possible for them to complete the 1:1s for every student in the section.
How do students schedule their PAL?
Students can schedule their PAL 1:1s through UMKC Connect. If they are having difficulty scheduling through Connect, they can email umkcpalprogram@umkc.edu for assistance.
Can PALs assist with the grading for FSE?
No, PALs should not complete any grading for the FSE course.
I have another question or concern about the PALs' role in FSE
Contact PAL Program Director Susi Krulewich at krulewichs@umck.edu
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