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 CAPS Leaders, 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.

Peer Advisors make a commitment to attend bi-weekly meetings, several training sessions, all Freshman Orientation sessions, online as a CAPS leader, 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 advisees and the program that you are able to make a full commitment. Peer Advisors 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 Counselor. Feel free to contact her in the College of Arts & Sciences Advising and Student Support Services Center at (502)852-5502 or by emailing  Meagan West .  They are eager to talk with you about this terrific program!

 

Responsibility Timeline

• Orientation to the Peer Advisor Program

• All returning P.A.’s will participate in the Exploratory Advising workshops.

Thursday, May 23-Friday, May 24

Thursday, May 30-Friday, May 31

BREAK

Monday, June 17-Tuesday, June 18

• Keep in touch with incoming students via Blackboard & Cardmail

• 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

• Assist with Advising via the Exploratory workshops

• Additional Opportunity to teach Gen 101

• Advertise Peer Advisor positions

Supervision

Peers are supervised by Meagan West throughout their tenure.

Qualifications

• Enrolled as a full-time student at the University of Louisville 

• 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

• March/April- “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!