Arts & Sciences Peer Advisor Program
Arts & Sciences Peer Advisor Program
Peer Advisors are an integral part of the College of Arts & Sciences advising program. They are one of the first points of contact for incoming students and serve as teaching assistants in the Gen 101 courses. The Peer Advisor Program is coordinated by Meagan West in the College of Arts & Sciences Advising Center. The Peer Advisors work closely with the professional staff within the college; serve as CAPS mentors through Undergraduate Studies, and all other staff throughout orientation. They assist first-year students in making the transition from high school to the “Ville” by sharing their strategies for survival and knowledge of campus. They also assist them in understanding and accessing academic support services.
Peer Advisors Needed
Peer Advisors are needed to work for the College of Arts and Sciences. Peer Advisors will be trained to help freshmen students plan and schedule courses during the Summer Freshman Orientation Program, as well as working with the Gen 101 "A & S Orientation" course during the Fall and Spring semesters. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the university, meet new people, and make money ($8.00 per hour/20 hours maximum per week).
In order to apply you must have completed at least 30 hours, have a
2.5 or better GPA, and be an undergraduate major in Arts &
Sciences. Applications accepted January 14th-February 13th by 5:00 P.M.
All applicants must complete the online Peer Advisor Application and submit
2 recommendation letters.
follow this link to 2009-2010 application
follow this link to the recommendation form
FAQ’s for Peer Advisor Program
What is the peer advisor program?
The purpose of the Peer Advisor Program is to provide support for freshman and new students in their transition to college. The Peer Advisors are upperclassmen who have been selected based on their interest in and capacity for helping others. The P.A.’s attend training and meet regularly with the program coordinator. The program has been up and running in the College of Arts & Sciences since the mid 1990’s.
What exactly do peer advisors do?
Peer Advisors guide, support, and advise students within the College of Arts and Sciences to help make their academic career a success and memorable experience. Beginning with Freshman Orientation, the P.A.’s are on campus to help with the transition from high school to college and welcome new students to the University of Louisville. Peer Advisors maintain contact with their advisees throughout the year, as teaching assistants in the Gen 101 courses and advising workshops with the Exploratory Team of professional advisors. P.A.’s will offer information on how to access resources at U of L, as well as offer advice on academic issues, social adjustment, and support services.
How much time is involved and what is expected?
Peer Advisors make a commitment to attend bi-weekly meetings, several training sessions, Gen 101 classes, and occasional campus events. Students must feel certain they can honor this commitment before they apply to become an advisor. It is crucial for the sake of your advisee(s) and the program that you are able to make a full commitment. Peer Advisor’s are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and be aware that they are representatives of the college and the university.
Who can I talk with to get more information on the peer advisor program?
The Peer Advisor Program is coordinated by Meagan West, an Exploratory Academic Advisor. Feel free to contact her in the College of Arts & Sciences Advising and Student Support Services Center at (502)852-5502 or by email meagan.west@louisville.edu . They are eager to talk with you about this terrific program!
Responsibility Timeline
March
- Orientation to the Peer Advisor Program
- All returning P.A.’s will participate in the Exploratory Advising workshops.
April - May
- Attend two training sessions in April. Exact dates, locations and times to be determined.
- Provide the College Office with summer contact information to be distributed to advisees.
- Two weeks of training at the end of May.
June
- Attend all freshman orientations: advise students, participate in presentations, etc.
July
- Late Orientation
- Keep in touch with incoming students via Blackboard/Groupwise
- Serve as a CAPS mentor
August (before classes begin):
- Training for Gen 101
- Attend Welcome Weekend Peer Mentor Luncheon and A&S Reception
- Walk-In Advising
August-October
- Serve as Teaching Assistants in multiple Gen 101 sections
- Attend bi-weekly staff meetings
- Maintain 2 office hours per week
October-November
- Assist with Advising via the Exploratory workshops
January
Supervision
Peers are supervised by Meagan West throughout their tenure.
Selection
All applicants must complete the online Peer Advisor Application and submit 2 recommendation letters. The applications will then be reviewed and all applicants will be notified if they have received an interview. The remaining applicants will participate in a panel interview and notified of their status within 2 weeks.
Qualifications
- Enrolled as a full-time student at the University of Louisville College of Arts & Sciences
- Attained sophomore standing (30 hours) prior to application deadline
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Accessible during the summer and throughout the academic year
- Honest and abide by a high standard of integrity
- Demonstrate maturity of judgment, tact, and self-control
- Genuine interest in helping new students adjust to all facets of university life
- Responsible, consistent, flexible, and enthusiastic
- Positive attitude which is readily communicated to others
- Ability to communicate effectively
Training
- March- “Meet and Greet” with the Advising Staff and Student Orientation Staff Leaders working with A & S.
- May- Be available the last 2 weeks for Orientation training!
- August- Be available the first week for Gen 101 training!
