Apply to be an FYE Peer Leader
Are you interested in supporting the next generation of Buckeyes? As an FYE Peer Leader, you’ll help new students find their place and thrive from the moment they step onto campus for summer orientation.
And your influence doesn't end after orientation; you’ll remain an important resource and mentor for first-year students throughout their entire autumn semester.
Why Become an FYE Peer Leader?
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- Be the First Connection: Guide students through the transition to college life.
- Ongoing Mentorship: Serve as a mentor during a student's first semester.
- Professional Growth: Develop leadership, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
- Build Your Network: Join a team of fellow Buckeyes dedicated to student success.
FYE Peer Leader Applications
Thank you for your interest in the FYE Peer Leader position! The application for the 2026 team is now closed.
If you’re thinking about applying in the future, please explore this page to learn more about the role. Check back in the fall semester for updated information about the 2027 FYE Peer Leader position
For a quick overview of the position, watch this short Peer Leader video:
Step 1: Learn about the FYE Peer Leader position
FYE Peer Leaders commit to working up to 32 hours per week during the summer (May–July). As they guide students through their transition to Ohio State, FYE Peer Leaders will:
- Serve as a point of connection for new first-year students among peers and other students.
- Facilitate and manage engaging and interactive orientation small groups that highlight personal transitions as an experienced Ohio State student.
- Communicate with students post-orientation to provide relevant information about beginning their first year at Ohio State.
- Identify and advocate for students who could benefit most from peer outreach during the fall semester through FYE-managed tracking tools.
- Provide staff support for summer orientation including, but not limited to, program check-in, evening activities, First Year Experience supplemental sessions, etc.
The following are qualifications necessary to become an FYE Peer Leader.
- Successful completion of at least 12 credit hours at Ohio State (Columbus campus) for at least one semester prior to your application.
- Be in good academic standing, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 and minimum term GPA of 2.50 for the previous semester, at the time of application.
- Successful completion of the leadership development course ESHESA 5194: General Studies in Higher Education (second session; one credit hour).
- Not enrolled in academic courses in the summer before your second year as an undergraduate student at Ohio State (Columbus campus).
- Be in good disciplinary standing prior to and throughout the duration of employment.
- Be eligible to work in the United States in year-round employment.
- Successful completion of a background check (initiated upon offer and acceptance of employment).
- Understand and recognize that the FYE Peer Leader position is commitment of up to 32 hours per week during the summer and must be prioritized above all additional summer employment and involvement opportunities. Additional employment and involvement opportunities must be approved prior to the start of the summer by FYE professional staff.
The following are benefits and compensation details for the FYE Peer Leader role:
- A partial meal plan (specific amount TBD) for the duration of May training (beginning May 11) through the end of orientation (July 25)
- If you choose to live on campus during the summer: housing for the duration of May training and orientation (May 11–July 25), including weeks when orientation for first-year students does not occur (June 14–20; June 28–July 4)
- An hourly wage of $14.00, distributed over biweekly pay periods*
- Development and enhancement of transferable skills such as public speaking, project management, group and individual coaching, assessment and evaluation, and collaboration and cooperation.
- Increased connection to and familiarity with the university offices, resources and individuals who can support your success and progress as an Ohio State student and beyond.
* All applicable tax withholding and retirement system contributions will be deducted from the gross compensation of each payment. Students may not opt out of OPERS retirement contributions over the summer, while not enrolled in courses. Ohio State’s HR website has more information for your review about this policy.
Check back in Fall 2026 for more information.
FYE Peer Leaders commit to working up to 32 hours per week during the summer (May–July). As they guide students through their transition to Ohio State, FYE Peer Leaders will:
- Serve as a point of connection for new first-year students among peers and other students.
- Facilitate and manage engaging and interactive orientation small groups that highlight personal transitions as an experienced Ohio State student.
- Communicate with students post-orientation to provide relevant information about beginning their first year at Ohio State.
- Identify and advocate for students who could benefit most from peer outreach during the fall semester through FYE-managed tracking tools.
- Provide staff support for summer orientation including, but not limited to, program check-in, evening activities, First Year Experience supplemental sessions, etc.
The following are qualifications necessary to become an FYE Peer Leader.
- Successful completion of at least 12 credit hours at Ohio State (Columbus campus) for at least one semester prior to your application.
- Be in good academic standing, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 and minimum term GPA of 2.50 for the previous semester, at the time of application.
- Successful completion of the leadership development course ESHESA 5194: General Studies in Higher Education (second session; one credit hour).
- Not enrolled in academic courses in the summer before your second year as an undergraduate student at Ohio State (Columbus campus).
- Be in good disciplinary standing prior to and throughout the duration of employment.
- Be eligible to work in the United States in year-round employment.
- Successful completion of a background check (initiated upon offer and acceptance of employment).
- Understand and recognize that the FYE Peer Leader position is commitment of up to 32 hours per week during the summer and must be prioritized above all additional summer employment and involvement opportunities. Additional employment and involvement opportunities must be approved prior to the start of the summer by FYE professional staff.
The following are benefits and compensation details for the FYE Peer Leader role:
- A partial meal plan (specific amount TBD) for the duration of May training (beginning May 11) through the end of orientation (July 25)
- If you choose to live on campus during the summer: housing for the duration of May training and orientation (May 11–July 25), including weeks when orientation for first-year students does not occur (June 14–20; June 28–July 4)
- An hourly wage of $14.00, distributed over biweekly pay periods*
- Development and enhancement of transferable skills such as public speaking, project management, group and individual coaching, assessment and evaluation, and collaboration and cooperation.
- Increased connection to and familiarity with the university offices, resources and individuals who can support your success and progress as an Ohio State student and beyond.
* All applicable tax withholding and retirement system contributions will be deducted from the gross compensation of each payment. Students may not opt out of OPERS retirement contributions over the summer, while not enrolled in courses. Ohio State’s HR website has more information for your review about this policy.
Check back in Fall 2026 for more information.
The following are benefits and compensation details for the FYE Peer Leader role:
- A partial meal plan (specific amount TBD) for the duration of May training (beginning May 11) through the end of orientation (July 25)
- If you choose to live on campus during the summer: housing for the duration of May training and orientation (May 11–July 25), including weeks when orientation for first-year students does not occur (June 14–20; June 28–July 4)
- An hourly wage of $14.00, distributed over biweekly pay periods*
- Development and enhancement of transferable skills such as public speaking, project management, group and individual coaching, assessment and evaluation, and collaboration and cooperation.
- Increased connection to and familiarity with the university offices, resources and individuals who can support your success and progress as an Ohio State student and beyond.
* All applicable tax withholding and retirement system contributions will be deducted from the gross compensation of each payment. Students may not opt out of OPERS retirement contributions over the summer, while not enrolled in courses. Ohio State’s HR website has more information for your review about this policy.
Check back in Fall 2026 for more information.
Step 2 (optional but encouraged!): Attend an Interview Success Session
Interview Success Sessions are meant to set you up for success in the interview process by helping you represent your best self in your journey to becoming an FYE Peer Leader. Get all your questions about the position answered or just come and listen!
Attending an Interview Success Session is not a required part of the FYE Peer Leader application process, but it is highly encouraged. Choosing not to attend an Interview Success Session will not negatively impact your standing as an FYE Peer Leader candidate
Information will about upcoming Interview Success Sessions will become available once the FYE Peer Leader application reopens in Fall 2026.
Information will about upcoming Interview Success Sessions will become available once the FYE Peer Leader application reopens in Fall 2026.
Questions?
If you have any questions, check out the below FAQs or contact us at askfye@osu.edu!
FAQS
Living on-campus is highly recommended but not required. On-campus housing is available (May–July) at no cost to FYE Peer Leaders. FYE Peer Leaders may be assigned another PL roommate in their housing assignment but can request a single room with documented accommodations.
Yes. FYE Peer Leaders can pay for a parking permit to have their cars on campus during summer orientation and/or during the academic year. FYE is not responsible for parking passes. You will need to contact CampusParc at 614-688-0000 for more information.
FYE Peer Leaders are required to enroll in and complete the Peer Leader training course spring 2026. Students who cannot register for and attend weekly class on Tuesdays from 5:30–7:30 p.m. are not eligible for the summer 2026 FYE Peer Leader role. Consult with your academic advisor with questions related to scheduling or changes class schedules.
FYE does not assume financial responsibility for any additional tuition or fees assessed to the Statement of Account if enrollment in this course causes the student to exceed 18 credit hours.
FYE Peer Leaders are expected to work orientation programs on the following dates:
- May 26–28
- June 1–4
- June 8–11
- June 22–25
- July 6–9
- July 13–16
- July 20–23
FYE Peer Leaders are not expected to work and are not required to request time off Fridays-Sundays of orientation weeks. In addition, there are no Peer Leader responsibilities during orientation break weeks, June 14–20 and June 28–July 4.
FYE Peer Leaders are not permitted to take time off during May training (May 11–22) or the first week of orientation (May 26–28). After May 28, they may request up to two consecutive orientation days off during the summer. We encourage FYE Peer Leaders to schedule trips during orientation break weeks (June 14–20 and June 28–July 4) whenever possible.
Due to the nature of summer orientation, time off approvals are limited. We ask FYE Peer Leaders to minimize absences, as time away increases the workload for others. All time off is unpaid and considered on a case-by-case basis. Requests for exams (e.g., LSAT, GRE), medical appointments or weddings over long weekends are typically approved with advance notice. Accommodations are also made for mental or physical illness; FYE Peer Leaders should notify their supervisor as soon as possible in these cases so arrangements can be made.
If you anticipate needing time off or need guidance on ideal times to request off email askfye@osu.edu as early as possible.
No. Due to the high number of hours FYE Peer Leaders are expected to work during summer orientation, FYE Peer Leaders are not allowed to enroll in summer classes at Ohio State.
All employment outside of the Peer Leader role must be approved by an FYE Program Coordinator prior to applying for secondary position. University policy outlines that student employees, who are not enrolled in classes, may work up to 38 hours per week. FYE Peer Leaders are expected to work up to 32 hours per week for FYE, meaning FYE Peer Leaders may only work up to 6 hours a week at an additional on-campus job.
Due to the nature and variability of an FYE Peer Leader's schedule during the structure summer orientation months (May–July), additional employment may be difficult to hold during the weekdays.
FYE Peer Leaders have a variety of unique backgrounds and experiences. Successful FYE Peer Leaders are focused on first-year students, dedicated to personal and leadership development, and committed to supporting the experiences of all students at Ohio State.
We’d love to have you on our team! We are looking for a variety of perspectives when it comes to navigating the transition to Ohio State. Transfer students and campus change students must also complete at least 12 credit hours on Ohio State’s Columbus campus prior to the semester that they apply. See the Qualifications above for more information.
Living on-campus is highly recommended but not required. On-campus housing is available (May–July) at no cost to FYE Peer Leaders. FYE Peer Leaders may be assigned another PL roommate in their housing assignment but can request a single room with documented accommodations.
Yes. FYE Peer Leaders can pay for a parking permit to have their cars on campus during summer orientation and/or during the academic year. FYE is not responsible for parking passes. You will need to contact CampusParc at 614-688-0000 for more information.
FYE Peer Leaders are required to enroll in and complete the Peer Leader training course spring 2026. Students who cannot register for and attend weekly class on Tuesdays from 5:30–7:30 p.m. are not eligible for the summer 2026 FYE Peer Leader role. Consult with your academic advisor with questions related to scheduling or changes class schedules.
FYE does not assume financial responsibility for any additional tuition or fees assessed to the Statement of Account if enrollment in this course causes the student to exceed 18 credit hours.
FYE Peer Leaders are expected to work orientation programs on the following dates:
- May 26–28
- June 1–4
- June 8–11
- June 22–25
- July 6–9
- July 13–16
- July 20–23
FYE Peer Leaders are not expected to work and are not required to request time off Fridays-Sundays of orientation weeks. In addition, there are no Peer Leader responsibilities during orientation break weeks, June 14–20 and June 28–July 4.
FYE Peer Leaders are not permitted to take time off during May training (May 11–22) or the first week of orientation (May 26–28). After May 28, they may request up to two consecutive orientation days off during the summer. We encourage FYE Peer Leaders to schedule trips during orientation break weeks (June 14–20 and June 28–July 4) whenever possible.
Due to the nature of summer orientation, time off approvals are limited. We ask FYE Peer Leaders to minimize absences, as time away increases the workload for others. All time off is unpaid and considered on a case-by-case basis. Requests for exams (e.g., LSAT, GRE), medical appointments or weddings over long weekends are typically approved with advance notice. Accommodations are also made for mental or physical illness; FYE Peer Leaders should notify their supervisor as soon as possible in these cases so arrangements can be made.
If you anticipate needing time off or need guidance on ideal times to request off email askfye@osu.edu as early as possible.
No. Due to the high number of hours FYE Peer Leaders are expected to work during summer orientation, FYE Peer Leaders are not allowed to enroll in summer classes at Ohio State.
All employment outside of the Peer Leader role must be approved by an FYE Program Coordinator prior to applying for secondary position. University policy outlines that student employees, who are not enrolled in classes, may work up to 38 hours per week. FYE Peer Leaders are expected to work up to 32 hours per week for FYE, meaning FYE Peer Leaders may only work up to 6 hours a week at an additional on-campus job.
Due to the nature and variability of an FYE Peer Leader's schedule during the structure summer orientation months (May–July), additional employment may be difficult to hold during the weekdays.
FYE Peer Leaders have a variety of unique backgrounds and experiences. Successful FYE Peer Leaders are focused on first-year students, dedicated to personal and leadership development, and committed to supporting the experiences of all students at Ohio State.
We’d love to have you on our team! We are looking for a variety of perspectives when it comes to navigating the transition to Ohio State. Transfer students and campus change students must also complete at least 12 credit hours on Ohio State’s Columbus campus prior to the semester that they apply. See the Qualifications above for more information.
FYE Peer Leaders are required to enroll in and complete the Peer Leader training course spring 2026. Students who cannot register for and attend weekly class on Tuesdays from 5:30–7:30 p.m. are not eligible for the summer 2026 FYE Peer Leader role. Consult with your academic advisor with questions related to scheduling or changes class schedules.
FYE does not assume financial responsibility for any additional tuition or fees assessed to the Statement of Account if enrollment in this course causes the student to exceed 18 credit hours.
FYE Peer Leaders are expected to work orientation programs on the following dates:
- May 26–28
- June 1–4
- June 8–11
- June 22–25
- July 6–9
- July 13–16
- July 20–23
FYE Peer Leaders are not expected to work and are not required to request time off Fridays-Sundays of orientation weeks. In addition, there are no Peer Leader responsibilities during orientation break weeks, June 14–20 and June 28–July 4.
FYE Peer Leaders are not permitted to take time off during May training (May 11–22) or the first week of orientation (May 26–28). After May 28, they may request up to two consecutive orientation days off during the summer. We encourage FYE Peer Leaders to schedule trips during orientation break weeks (June 14–20 and June 28–July 4) whenever possible.
Due to the nature of summer orientation, time off approvals are limited. We ask FYE Peer Leaders to minimize absences, as time away increases the workload for others. All time off is unpaid and considered on a case-by-case basis. Requests for exams (e.g., LSAT, GRE), medical appointments or weddings over long weekends are typically approved with advance notice. Accommodations are also made for mental or physical illness; FYE Peer Leaders should notify their supervisor as soon as possible in these cases so arrangements can be made.
If you anticipate needing time off or need guidance on ideal times to request off email askfye@osu.edu as early as possible.
No. Due to the high number of hours FYE Peer Leaders are expected to work during summer orientation, FYE Peer Leaders are not allowed to enroll in summer classes at Ohio State.
All employment outside of the Peer Leader role must be approved by an FYE Program Coordinator prior to applying for secondary position. University policy outlines that student employees, who are not enrolled in classes, may work up to 38 hours per week. FYE Peer Leaders are expected to work up to 32 hours per week for FYE, meaning FYE Peer Leaders may only work up to 6 hours a week at an additional on-campus job.
Due to the nature and variability of an FYE Peer Leader's schedule during the structure summer orientation months (May–July), additional employment may be difficult to hold during the weekdays.
FYE Peer Leaders have a variety of unique backgrounds and experiences. Successful FYE Peer Leaders are focused on first-year students, dedicated to personal and leadership development, and committed to supporting the experiences of all students at Ohio State.
We’d love to have you on our team! We are looking for a variety of perspectives when it comes to navigating the transition to Ohio State. Transfer students and campus change students must also complete at least 12 credit hours on Ohio State’s Columbus campus prior to the semester that they apply. See the Qualifications above for more information.
FYE Peer Leaders are not permitted to take time off during May training (May 11–22) or the first week of orientation (May 26–28). After May 28, they may request up to two consecutive orientation days off during the summer. We encourage FYE Peer Leaders to schedule trips during orientation break weeks (June 14–20 and June 28–July 4) whenever possible.
Due to the nature of summer orientation, time off approvals are limited. We ask FYE Peer Leaders to minimize absences, as time away increases the workload for others. All time off is unpaid and considered on a case-by-case basis. Requests for exams (e.g., LSAT, GRE), medical appointments or weddings over long weekends are typically approved with advance notice. Accommodations are also made for mental or physical illness; FYE Peer Leaders should notify their supervisor as soon as possible in these cases so arrangements can be made.
If you anticipate needing time off or need guidance on ideal times to request off email askfye@osu.edu as early as possible.
No. Due to the high number of hours FYE Peer Leaders are expected to work during summer orientation, FYE Peer Leaders are not allowed to enroll in summer classes at Ohio State.
All employment outside of the Peer Leader role must be approved by an FYE Program Coordinator prior to applying for secondary position. University policy outlines that student employees, who are not enrolled in classes, may work up to 38 hours per week. FYE Peer Leaders are expected to work up to 32 hours per week for FYE, meaning FYE Peer Leaders may only work up to 6 hours a week at an additional on-campus job.
Due to the nature and variability of an FYE Peer Leader's schedule during the structure summer orientation months (May–July), additional employment may be difficult to hold during the weekdays.
FYE Peer Leaders have a variety of unique backgrounds and experiences. Successful FYE Peer Leaders are focused on first-year students, dedicated to personal and leadership development, and committed to supporting the experiences of all students at Ohio State.
We’d love to have you on our team! We are looking for a variety of perspectives when it comes to navigating the transition to Ohio State. Transfer students and campus change students must also complete at least 12 credit hours on Ohio State’s Columbus campus prior to the semester that they apply. See the Qualifications above for more information.
All employment outside of the Peer Leader role must be approved by an FYE Program Coordinator prior to applying for secondary position. University policy outlines that student employees, who are not enrolled in classes, may work up to 38 hours per week. FYE Peer Leaders are expected to work up to 32 hours per week for FYE, meaning FYE Peer Leaders may only work up to 6 hours a week at an additional on-campus job.
Due to the nature and variability of an FYE Peer Leader's schedule during the structure summer orientation months (May–July), additional employment may be difficult to hold during the weekdays.
FYE Peer Leaders have a variety of unique backgrounds and experiences. Successful FYE Peer Leaders are focused on first-year students, dedicated to personal and leadership development, and committed to supporting the experiences of all students at Ohio State.
We’d love to have you on our team! We are looking for a variety of perspectives when it comes to navigating the transition to Ohio State. Transfer students and campus change students must also complete at least 12 credit hours on Ohio State’s Columbus campus prior to the semester that they apply. See the Qualifications above for more information.
We’d love to have you on our team! We are looking for a variety of perspectives when it comes to navigating the transition to Ohio State. Transfer students and campus change students must also complete at least 12 credit hours on Ohio State’s Columbus campus prior to the semester that they apply. See the Qualifications above for more information.