Thank you for your interest in the College of Arts and Sciences Peer Advisor Program and the positions we have available for the 2023-2024 academic year. Please carefully review the Position Overview and How to Apply sections below submitting your application.

Position Overview

The College of Arts and Sciences Peer Advisors serve as an additional unit of academic support for CAS undergraduates in the Academic Advising Office. Peer Advisors provide students with information on academic policies and procedures and make appropriate referrals to campus resources. Peers are given the training necessary to address a variety of student questions and handle sensitive academic issues. 

Duties

The main responsibilities of a CAS Peer Advisor include but are not limited to: advising sophomores (mainly undecided) on course selection, AU CORE requirements, university requirements, and choosing a major. Peers also assist in pre-registration activities including: drop-ins, workshops, campus outreach, and preparation for registration clearance. Peer Advisors assist students on an appointment and drop-in basis. During All American Welcome and admission recruitment, Peers are expected to work with the main advising staff and take part in special advising activities. Peers also help plan other academic programs throughout the year. 

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the Peer Advisor position you must:

• Have an AU cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Have 30 or more credits and at least one full year completed at AU as a CAS student by the end of the Spring 2023 semester
• Have past leadership experience and/or an interest in counseling/advising
• Be available for training during April 2023
• Have 8-10 hours per week availability for work during the 2023-2024 academic year
• Be able to commit one academic year to the position (Fall 2023-Spring 2024)
• Demonstrate sensitivity to student confidentiality and ability to uphold federal guidelines

 

Preferred Qualifications

To be eligible for the Peer Advisor position you should, at the time of application:

• Be involved in AU campus life and knowledgeable of campus resources and activities
• Be highly motivated, enthusiastic, and self-directed
• Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Have experience with public speaking and small group facilitation
• Have strong communication and listening skills
• Have experience with social media campaigns and/or other publications

Time Commitment

Peer Advisors work 8-10 hours per week during the academic year. Most hours are Monday-Friday between 9 am-5 pm, however some evening and weekend hours might be required. Employment begins August 21, 2023 and ends April 29, 2024. Peer Advisors are expected to work the entire 2023-2024 academic year.

Training

Peer Advisors are required to attend one training session tentatively scheduled for the middle of April. Additionally, peers must complete 4 hours of advisor shadowing in the main Advising Office during the month of September 2023 (shifts are scheduled for 1 hour). On-the-job training will continue throughout the year.

Compensation

$17.00 per hour; work study is not available currently.

Please note that

• Resume and Short Answer Responses are uploaded and submitted with online CAS Peer Advisor Application Form.
• References are submitted using online Reference Form.

Application Requirements

A complete application includes the following:

• Application: CAS Peer Advisor Application
• References: Two references are required. At least one must be a professional reference. No personal references. Please direct references to use the Applicant Reference Form.
• Resume: We encourage you to consult with the Career Center about developing a professional resume.
• Short Answer Questions: Please type responses to the short answer questions listed below. These responses help us gain insight about you, your reasons for applying, and what makes you uniquely qualified for the role. Thus, we rely heavily on the responses for selecting candidates for interviews. Please note that in addition to content, grammar, writing ability, organization and presentation of thoughts will be taken into consideration. 250 word maximum per response. 

Short Answer Questions

1. What special characteristics or experience do you possess that qualify you to be a successful Peer Advisor? What trait of professional development would you like to foster through the Peer Advisor role?  
2. What do you find most interesting/appealing about the CAS Peer Advisor position? 
3. Please explain how you would respond to the following advising scenario if you were a Peer Advisor: “In an appointment with an undeclared sophomore, she asks you what classes she should take for the Spring semester. She needs help choosing a major. She is currently taking the following classes: an introductory psychology course (PSYC-115/116), two habit of mind courses, and one introductory language course.” 
4. Please list anticipated 2023-2024 co-curricular activities (if known), e.g., internship, employment, student organizations, volunteer positions, etc.