As an Engineering Peer Educator, you'll gain valuable leadership experience while helping new engineering students succeed in transitioning to college.
Engineering Peer Educators (EPEs) welcome first-year Engineering Undeclared students to the College and help integrate them into the academic and co-curricular community.
This is primarily accomplished through facilitating a section of GEN ST 199: University Community (1cr) a component of an Engineering First-Year Interest Groups (E-FIGs). Registration in an autumn quarter E-FIG is required for all first-year Engineering Undeclared students at the University of Washington, facilitated by the Engineering Peer Educators.
Interested in joining? Contact us at uwengr-ele@uw.edu for more information.
Athena Ortega won the 2024 Outstanding EPE of the Year Award
"Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of pursuing the EPE role, which has undoubtedly been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had while attending the UW. As a student myself, I understand the meaningful impact of feeling heard and supported, so I wanted to create that same type of welcoming environment for my own students. Aside from mentoring them, I’ve been fortunate to also learn from them and hear their unique stories. Witnessing my students’ growth over the course of the quarter has been truly inspiring, and I’m grateful to have been a part of their engineering journey at UW. Additionally, the relationships I have built with fellow EPEs have been instrumental in shaping the leader that I am today, as I’ve formed both connections and friendships that will last beyond my undergraduate years. I can say with certainty that my involvement in the EPE program has played a significant role in my growth as an engineer, mentor, and leader. Through this experience, I truly feel like I’ve been able to make an impact and contribute to the College of Engineering's mission to educate, support, and empower engineering students."
- Athena Ortega, 2024 EPE, winner of the 2024 Outstanding EPE of the Year Award
Mentor
- Answer new Engineering Undeclared students’ questions about UW and the College of Engineering; support students’ exploration of engineering areas of impact and majors.
- Support new students’ adjustment to UW; help them feel connected to the College of Engineering community.
Teach & Facilitate
- Prepare for GEN ST 199 class meetings to lead meaningful discussions and activities.
- Teach new students to utilize academic planning resources such as the engineering major requirement sheets and MyPlan.
- Record students’ completed assignments, course engagement, and grades using Canvas.
Collaborate with College of Engineering Staff
- Meet weekly with the Program Manager, Lead EPEs and fellow EPEs.
- Communicate frequently with the Lead EPEs and Program Director about any student issues or class concerns.
- Promote Emerging Leaders in Engineering (ELE) to other students, and support ELE recruitment efforts.
Serve as a member of the Engineering Peer Educator team
- Actively engage in all EPE trainings and meetings.
- Build relationships with fellow EPEs.
Winter 2026
- Attend the ELE orientation on Wednesday, March 4
- Meet with EPE Accountabilibuddy
Spring 2026
- Attend ENGR 490: Engineering Leadership on Fridays from 3:30 PM to 4:50 PM
- Registration for the 2 credit course is optional, but your schedule must accommodate the class time to be able to participate in the program
- Attend in the ELE Retreat on Saturday, April 18
- EPE check-in 1: individual meeting with the Engineering Peer Educator Leadership Team
Summer 2026
- Participate in virtual engineering new student advising and orientation
- Continue to prepare the GEN ST 199 class materials
Autumn 2026
- Attend ELE Pre-Quarter Training on Monday, September 21
- Attend Husky kick-off: Sunday, September 20
- Teach a section of GEN ST 199
- Attend ENGR 491: Engineering Peer Educator Practicum on Mondays from 3:30-4:20 PM in addition to teaching GEN ST 199
- Registration for the 1 credit course is optional, but your schedule must accommodate the class time to be able to participate in the program
- EPE check-in 2: individual meeting with the Engineering Peer Educator Leadership Team
Winter 2027 - Spring 2027
- Participate in at least one EPE recruitment activity (e.g. class visits) in January
- Make contact (in person, phone/text, or email) with each of your students at least once in winter and spring