Professionalizing Supervision for High-Stakes Peer Leadership

Kimberly Rodgers, Director, University Center for Academic Excellence
Bettina Becker, Assistant Director for Peer Assisted Learning
Michael Spivey, Associate Director for Academic Continuance
International College Learning Center Association Conference; Salt Lake City, UT; September 2026

At a large institution, peer leaders are often the “front line” of student success. Whether they are tutors, mentors, or front-desk associates, these students operate as paraprofessionals – handling sensitive student data, navigating complex university policies, and responding to peers in academic or personal distress. Because these stakes are high, the supervision of these students must move beyond casual “check-ins” toward a structured, professional management model. 

This session explores UNC Charlotte’s central learning center’s approach to supervising a diverse team of student leaders. We will look at how to build a supervision framework that prioritizes accountability and student agency while providing necessary guardrails for both the employee and the department.
[Link to Presentation]