Young man and young woman smiling at camera

Meet our UKG Peer Leaders

Peer Leaders are students who belonged to the RHSA as first-year students.

A group of River Hawk Scholars Academy Peer & Team leaders pose outside in front of the gazebo on South Campus

Meet our UKG Team Leaders

Team Leaders are students who have previously been Peer Leaders and continue to mentor freshmen and Peer Leaders.

RHSA Leadership Program and Benefits

2019-2020 River Hawks Scholars Academy peer leaders group picture. RHSA Peer Leaders help mentor and support groups of about 20 RHSA freshmen by helping them navigate the resources and opportunities available to them on campus, develop their leadership skills, and acclimate to campus culture.

River Hawk Scholars Academy (RHSA) students who have completed their first year at UMass Lowell and have gone through leadership training in the spring semester will be eligible to apply to be peer leaders for fall of that academic year. Each peer leader will be assigned a cohort of RHSA students for the purposes of breakout groups and personal contact as outlined below.

Purpose

  • To mentor new RHSA freshmen by offering advice, answering questions, serving as a receptive listener, and helping students acclimate to campus culture and access on campus resources
  • To model positive university citizenship, good student success habits, River Hawk pride, and commitment to the RHSA and each other
  • To assist in the personal development of our students and in their understanding of how to achieve success as a college student
  • To help plan and run events for RHSA students
  • To facilitate communication between RHSA students and staff and administrators working in the RHSA
  • To offer feedback and ideas for the RHSA
  • To develop key leadership skills and strategies

Benefits

  • $2,000 Engagement Scholarship applied to their tuition bill
  • Early move-in for on-campus housing in August
  • Leadership training and additional development supports throughout the academic year
  • Rich experiences that can be highlighted on a work resumé
  • Personal connections with RHSA students and the intangible but vital rewards of mentoring first-year student