First-Year Leaders take part in training courses, develop skills and competencies in leadership and communication, and serve their UT Dallas campus community by co-teaching Freshman Seminars and mentoring groups of first-year students.

Because of this commitment to the University, FYLs can accumulate training and service hours for various peer educator certifications and service-learning awards:

Institute for Peer Education

• Level 1 Peer Educator Certification: Requires 10 hours of training and 25 hours of mentoring experience. FYLs can earn this certification after their first year in the FYL Program.
• Level 2 Peer Educator Certification: Requires an additional 10 hours of training and 25 hours of mentoring experience. FYLs who return as seniors for a second year in the FYL Program can earn this additional certification.

VolunTIER Program

• Dean’s Service Milestone Recognition: Students must maintain a 3.25 GPA and complete at least 40 services hours during a single fall or spring semester. FYLs can typically earn this award each semester they’re involved in the program.
• Service Honors Award: Students must maintain a 3.25 GPA and complete the equivalent of 40 service hours per semester for as many semesters as they’re enrolled at UT Dallas. FYLs accrue service hours that can be applied toward the Service Honors Award.