Thank you for your interest in joining the
2026-2027 Transition Leader Team!
Transition Leaders collaborate with and are guided by the Department of University Transitions to help their peers successfully navigate UGA and make the most of its resources.
Applications for the 2026-2027 team will open on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 8 am and close on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm.
Who Are Transition Leaders?
Transition Leaders (TLs) are trained peer leaders who support students as they navigate their transition to the University of Georgia. TLs act as accessible peer resources by offering one-on-one support through informal “quick chats,” provide peer mentorship through the Dawg Pack cohort program to help students build community and learn about campus resources, and support University Transitions programming throughout the year. Each TL is assigned to one of three committees that align with these responsibilities, and applicants will have the opportunity to share their committee preferences during the application process.
Transition Leader Programming
Focus: Dawg Pack Cohort Programs
This committee plans and coordinates TL-initiated programs designed with the Dawg Pack cohort in mind and open to all UGA students. Programming primarily takes place weekly during the first six weeks of each semester and monthly thereafter, with a focus on building community and introducing students to campus resources.
Campus
Connections
Focus: Campus-Wide Presence
This committee coordinates TL involvement in pre-planned campus-wide programs, such as Welcome UGA events, National Transfer Student Week, and collaborations with campus partners. Members plan and coordinate activities to engage students during high-impact transition events to build awareness of TLs as a valuable peer resource.
Social Media & Communications
Focus: Digital Engagement
This committee manages communication and promotion for TL initiatives including advertising when and where TLs will be present, promoting TL-led programs, and supporting Dawg Pack communication through platforms like GroupMe. Members ensure messaging is clear, timely, and engaging for students.
Through these efforts, TLs increase their visibility, connect with students during key transition moments, and build awareness of themselves as valuable sources of peer support.
Why Join the Transition Leader Team?
- Build friendships with fellow Transition Leaders and help students connect with peers and campus resources.
- Serve as a role model and mentor for your peers.
- Promote an inclusive campus environment and foster strong relationships with students, staff, and faculty.
- Develop facilitation, leadership, and communication skills.
- Support University Transitions programs, including Welcome UGA and Bulldog Fridays, and promote UGA pride.
Eligibility
An applicant for the Transition Leader team must:
- Be enrolled as a full-time student at the University of Georgia.
- Completed one (1) semester at UGA.
- Graduating Spring 2027 or later.
- Be in good academic standing (GPA of 2.0 or higher).
- Be in good standing with the Office of Student Conduct (no disciplinary probation or noncompliance).
Mandatory Dates
- Monday, February 23 – Meet & Greet
- Saturday, February 28 – Retreat
- Monday, March 2 – Training 1
- Monday, March 16 – Training 2
- Monday, March 23 – Training 3
- Monday, March 30 – Training 4
- Monday, April 6 – Training 5
- Monday, April 13 – Training 6
- Monday, April 20 – Training 7
- Friday, August 14 – Semester Kick-Off Session
- Saturday, August 15 – First Night
- Sunday, August 16 – Freshman Welcome
*For more details on the Fall 2026 time commitment, please refer to the ‘Ongoing Commitments’ section.
** Dates may change, and additional dates may be added with advance notice
- Friday, January 8 – Semester Kick-Off Session
- Wednesday, January 20 – New Student Welcome
- January – February: Transition Leader Recruitment
- Monday, April 19 – Transition Leader End of Year Celebration
*For more details on the Spring 2027 time commitment, please refer to the ‘Ongoing Commitments’ section.
** Dates may change, and additional dates may be added with advance notice
Weekly Spring Training
Training will take place every Monday from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm during Spring 2026. All Transition Leaders will earn their Support Dawgs certification during training.
Semester Kickoff Sessions
All Transition Leaders will participate in two semester kickoff sessions at the beginning of Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 to reconnect after breaks, review expectations, and prepare for a strong start to the semester.
Bi-Weekly Check-Ins
The Transition Leader team will have 2-hour bi-weekly check-in meetings during Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 to discuss progress and collaborate on activities.
Time Commitment
Transition Leaders should expect to commit an average of 3 hours per week to this role, including weekly availability hours, bi-weekly team check-ins, and support of TL programs and campus connection events. Peak times (August and January) may require additional hours, but the role offers flexibility to balance with other commitments. Participation in a minimum number of programs and events each semester is required to maintain eligibility for EL credit.
Expectations
Consistent communication and attendance are essential for success in this role. If significant absences or lack of communication occur, we will work with you to find a solution. However, failure to meet expectations could result in removal from the position.
*If you foresee any conflicts with the responsibilities or time commitments for this role, please reach out to University Transitions at transitions@uga.edu before applying. This will help determine if the role is a good fit for your schedule and commitments.
Recruitment Process & Timeline
Applicants should review the position description on this webpage, as it contains important information about the role, including responsibilities and mandatory dates.
A pre-recorded information session will be be available HERE on January 20, 2026.
Transition Leaders will also be at the Engagement Fair on January 27 from 7 pm to 10 pm in the Tate Student Center if you would like to learn more about the role.
The Transition Leader application is completed via Microsoft Forms. You must be logged into your UGA email to access the application. To be considered, your application must be completed and submitted by Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm.
The application includes questions regarding your major, year, involvements, and experiences at UGA. You will also complete two long-form questions (no more than 300 words). The questions will be as follows:
New Transition Leader Questions
- Please identify two (2) reasons you would be a good Transition Leader and explain these reasons.
- Describe your transition to UGA. How does that influence your desire to be a Transition Leader?
Returning Transition Leader Questions
- What aspects of being a Transition Leader have inspired you to continue serving in this role?
- What do you hope to gain by returning to the Transition Leader team?
Pending a successful application review, selected applicants will be invited to participate in an individual interview with a professional staff member and either a member of the Transition Leader Board of Directors or an outgoing Transition Leader.
Interview invitations will be sent by Tuesday, February 3 at 5 pm. Applicants selected for an interview must sign up for an available time slot by Friday, February 6.
Interviews will be held in person on Monday, February 9; Tuesday, February 10; and Wednesday, February 11. Please allow a 15-minute buffer before and after your interview in case of any timing adjustments. Failure to sign up by the stated deadline may result in disqualification from the recruitment process.
Looking for resources to help you prepare? Visit the UGA Career Center’s “Interview Preparation” webpage.
Applicants who participate in the interview process will receive their final decision via UGA email by 5 pm on Monday, February 16.
Those offered the position will have until Friday, February 20 to accept the offer.
Applicants who accept will be invited to a Meet & Greet on the evening of Monday, February 23.
Applicants will be notified of their application status no later than February 3, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Transition Leaders can expect to commit an average of 2 hours per week to this role. Please note that August and January are peak times and may require additional hours. However, the role offers flexibility to balance with other commitments.
Please keep in mind that being a Transition Leader is a commitment. Each of the required dates represents a key component of the role, and applicants should not plan to miss multiple mandatory dates, as doing so could disqualify them from the position. Exceptions are rare and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, provided you communicate in advance and demonstrate effort in other areas of the role.
We strongly encourage you to contact the Department of University Transitions at transitions@uga.edu if you foresee any conflicts—either current or anticipated—before proceeding
Students in the following Schools & Colleges are eligible to earn Experiential Learning (EL) credit for their service as a Transition Leader:
- Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
- Terry College of Business
- Odum School of Ecology
- Mary Frances Early College of Education
- College of Family and Consumer Sciences
- College of Public Health
- School of Public and International Affairs
- College of Veterinary Medicine
Please email us at transitions@uga.edu with any questions regarding the Transition Leader role and application.