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FIRE
URC 2023

Get Ignited!

The First-year Innovation and Research Experience, widely known as FIRE, is a unique program introduced at the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics during the 2015-2016 academic year. FIRE is an integrated, team-based and game-like experience, guided by alumni and peer mentors for first-year students to engage in developing habits and strategies for success.

Interested in Becoming a FIRE Peer Advisor? 

Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 academic year! Students who apply must be in Paul College, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, be in good conduct standing, and entering their junior or senior year. Submit your application and resume here

Our peer advisors help ease student transition to Paul College, UNH, and college in general. Each advisor leads a single FIRE team throughout the entire academic year, meeting weekly to teach them important college life skills, help with their research project, and motivate them to continue earning points as a team.

Peer Advisors must be able to commit at least five hours every week to the program for the entire academic year. This includes 1-2 morning meetings with FIRE program coordinators, an hour-long weekly meeting with your FIRE group, and individual preparation for those class sessions.

We are looking for students who:

  • Enjoy working with first year students, both individually and in group settings, with genuine concern for their academic and personal welfare.
  • Feel comfortable leading group discussions and encouraging individual participation
  • Will challenge students to always put forth their best effort and approach/support students who may not be doing their best.
  • Have an authentic love for and loyalty to UNH and Paul College
  • Are excited at the prospect of representing the school and acting in the dual role of mentor and peer

Other responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Checking email daily and responding to requests from Director, Assistant Director, or Program Coordinator within 24 hours
  • Regularly recording notes in My Wildcat Success (student online folder)
  • Accurately tracking attendance/participation at all FIRE group meetings
  • Participation in Paul’s Accepted Students Visit Day in the spring – as well as other occasional events
  • Signing off as students’ academic advisor at pre-registration time: this means making sure the courses chosen by each individual student in your group are appropriate to their major and academic situation
  • To be familiar with the resources and materials utilized in Paul’s academic advising; i.e. degree requirements, policies, handouts, the undergraduate catalogue, the student handbook, etc.
  • To be familiar with University regulations and procedures of concerns to students; i.e., pre registration procedures, graduation requirements, and course prerequisites
  • To be familiar with University regulations and procedures of concerns to students and be able to refer first year students with special problems to the appropriate office

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FIRE PROGRAM