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Peer Leader: Student Activities Programming Board Program Assistant (SAPB) | Program Assistant, Leadership & Student Organizations

Carleton College
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The Peer Leader Program serves to synthesize the work of these 11 offices into one developmental experience for students’ current and prospective aspirations. These roles not only allow students the platform to work with staff to create programming, resources, and peer support for the campus community but also offer students opportunities to think critically about and commit diligently to their own development and skill attainment. 

Student Activities Office 
Student Activities Programming Board (SAPB)
Program Assistant, Leadership & Student Organizations

Mandatory Training

  • Spring Peer Leader Celebration: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 
  • August 31 - September 4, 2026: SAPB/Peer Leader Training
  • September 7 - 12, 2026: New Student Week
  • Paid mandatory training

All Staff Events

  • Halloween Weekend (Saturday, October 31, 2026 Fall Term)
  • Midwinter Ball (Saturday, February 6, 2027 Winter Term)
  • Sproncert (Saturday, May 22, 2027 Spring Term)

Peer Leaders at Carleton College

Carleton’s peer leader program provides leadership development experiences to more than 200 student employees across 13 campus offices. As peer leaders, Carls are ambassadors for their offices and connect students to vital resources offered by the college. They develop skills in a collaborative work environment and are involved in leading programs and services that foster a sense of belonging at Carleton.

Peer leaders receive intentional coaching, engage in ongoing self-reflection, and participate in other opportunities to grow into outstanding young leaders fully prepared to succeed in life after graduation. 

Program Assistant, Leadership Development

This position serves as the main student lead from the Student Activities Office on topics related to leadership, involvement, ethics, communication, networking, civic engagement, and creating a welcoming and inclusive campus environment. The Program Assistant in this position will work with the Student Activities, CSA organizations, and various campus departments to develop and ensure that leadership programs and activities are offered for the campus community. The position also acts as the central campus resource to help students initiate, plan, fund, and achieve their involvement goals, including working collaboratively with the Student Activities Office in administering the Student Leadership & Involvement Grant.

This position works approximately 10 hours per week during the academic year, with a combination of event planning responsibilities and assisting other students in the Student Activities Office. This position also supports other Program Assistants in planning and implementing large, campus-wide events such as Spring Concert, Midwinter Ball, Halloween Concert, and Cowling Dances. Additional work hours may be available for break programming (i.e., spring and winter break).

Leadership & Student Organization Responsibilities

  • Assist with the management of the student organization management software.
  • Serve as a resource to all student organizations regarding event planning, budgeting, campus policies & procedures, and maintaining good standing as a CSA student organization.
  • Coordinate and promote all aspects of the Student Leadership & Involvement Grant, including budget management, reviewing applications, communicating with applicants, and providing guidance related to event logistics.
  • Collaborate with other departments and CSA organizations to provide programming that focuses on diversity, student leadership, and involvement.
  • Research leadership grants & programs that we could offer to students on campus.
  • Support Program Assistants in planning and implementing large, campus-wide events.
  • Attend weekly meetings of the Student Activities Programming Board (SAPB).
  • Meet regularly with the Associate Director of Student Activities.
  • Other duties as assigned.

General Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with other Peer Leaders, staff, and faculty in creating a welcoming and inclusive campus community
  • Provide resources and opportunities for students to pursue and reflect on experiences that prepare students for their post-Carleton lives
  • Serve as a positive role model and mentor to students
  • Encourage students to explore and become involved in a variety of curricular and co-curricular activities on campus and in the community
  • Be a positive source of energy and information to students
  • Be available to assist with the welcoming of students and their families during New Student Week 
  • Serve as an effective participant in small group settings during New Student Week

Qualifications

  • Carleton student in good academic and disciplinary standing
  • Willingness to serve as part of a team
  • Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
  • Assertiveness and patience in the workplace
  • Creativity, integrity, and a positive attitude
  • Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
  • Effective written and oral communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making skills
  • Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects with overlapping deadlines
  • Ability to represent the SAPB in a professional manner
  • Willingness to gain knowledge of CSA, Budget Committee, and student organizations
  • Willingness to work some evening, night, and weekend hours as needed
  • Sense of humor

Application Resources

We recommend that applicants make an appointment or visit SCA drop-in hours to review application materials before submitting. Appointments can be made with an SCA or a career coach via Handshake.

Carleton is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation regarding this position, email OAR@carleton.edu, contact Sam Thayer (sthayer@carleton.edu, phone number: 507-222-4464) or Elijah Genheimer (egenheimer@carleton.edu, phone number: 507-222-4500).

By submitting the Peer Leader application, you acknowledge that there will be a review of your student records for any misconduct/policy violations more serious in nature. Contact Amy Sillanpa, Assistant Dean of Students/Director of Community Standards, at asillanp@carleton.edu with any questions.

Questions? Contact Grace Esselman (@gesselman, x4161)