Week 16 Introduction: Greetings from the PAL (Program) Initiative
Oberlin College's Peer Advising Leaders (PAL) Program Helps New Students Adjust
Oberlin College's Peer Advising Leaders (PAL) program is designed to support incoming Arts and Sciences and Double Degree students during their critical first semester. Each new student is assigned a PAL, a second-, third-, or fourth-year student who has been trained to offer guidance and support.
During New Student Orientation, PALs help students navigate academic choices, co-curricular opportunities, and social experiences, creating a smooth transition into college life. The PAL program encourages the ethos of "Obies helping Obies".
Before students arrive on campus, they will have remote meetings during the week of August 19th to start building relationships and plan for their arrival. These meetings provide an opportunity for incoming students to ask questions and get to know their PAL and cohort members.
Each PAL leads a cohort of 15 new students who also share a class through the First-Year Seminar program (FYSP). Cohorts will build on connections initiated during remote sessions, and continue to meet during the in-person portion of Orientation.
The PAL program continues throughout New Student Orientation and the fall semester, with the LEAD 050 course being a key component. This co-curricular course integrates leadership development with peer advising responsibilities, allowing PALs to support their peers academically and socially.
The LEAD 050 course helps students understand important campus policies, prepare for their first winter term, connect with campus resources, and prepare for appointments with academic advisors. The course also provides opportunities for students to discuss how to create inclusive and equitable communities, and develop organizational strategies for academic success.
In addition to the PAL program, the Conservatory Peer Advising Leaders (ConPAL) program is available for incoming first-year students in the Bachelor of Music program. ConPAL cohorts include a diverse range of instruments and majors.
Cohorts will venture into Cleveland for a day of fun and exploration, providing students with a chance to experience the local culture and build connections with their peers outside of the classroom. This community-building continues throughout the semester, with cohorts sharing academic, co-curricular, and social experiences.
In conclusion, the Peer Advising Leaders (PAL) program at Oberlin College provides comprehensive support for incoming students during their first semester. From orientation, through their academic journey, to social integration, the PAL program helps students build community and prepare for their first-year experience, both inside and outside the classroom.
The Peer Advising Leaders (PAL) program at Oberlin College extends its support beyond academic choices and co-curricular opportunities, also guiding students on lifestyle decisions as they delve into home-and-garden and education-and-self-development topics.
As part of the LEAD 050 course, the PAL program encourages students to engage in learning sessions discussing how to create inclusive and equitable communities, enhancing their understanding and fostering personal growth.
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