PEER ACADEMIC ADVISING

Center for Advisement and Orientation
Peer Advising Program  2008

Who is a Peer Advisor?

• A current Baruch student who has completed the TEAM Baruch Leadership Training program and the Center for Advisement's academic advising training. They specialize in advising first and second year students.
• A student who is approachable and has the ability to communicate effectively with others.
• A student who has the knowledge to answer students' questions accurately and in an approachable, friendly manner.
• A student who understands a student's concerns because they have dealt with similar circumstances.
• A student who assists the professional advisor with advising-related activities.

Why should you become a Peer Advisor?

• Improve interpersonal skills
• Become part of a student’s success – "If a student connects to a peer, faculty person and an advisor, the likelihood of that person staying in college is statistically higher". (Dr. Robert Sherfield, NACADA National Conference October 2005)
• Develop a professional portfolio
• Gain a better understanding of the college curriculum and policies
• Network with students, faculty, staff, advisors and administrators

What qualities do you need to be a peer advisor?

• Enthusiasm
• School Spirit
• Enjoy helping others; Enjoy Learning
• Good listening and communication skills
• Positive attitude

Peer Advising Duties:

• Provide immediate information/support for students as an academic and campus resource.
• Uphold a positive and professional manner when interacting with students, faculty, and staff.
• Be available to students on a walk-in basis to answer basic curriculum and policy questions.
• Complete degree audit review and complete curriculum sheets.
• Student peer liaison for students in the  probation program(s).
• Student support during Center events – ex: Info Fair
• Assist the professional advisors at orientation (i.e. helping students with the registration process and provide assistance to the academic advisor).
• Screening students at the Center’s main desk.

Note:  Peer Advisors will be limited to working with students with fewer than 45 credits. The PA will use the degree audit; curriculum check sheet; Undergraduate Bulletin; website and the Schedule of Classes as their advisement tools.

Criteria to Apply:

• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Successful completion of TEAM Baruch Leadership Training
• Minimum 45 credits earned (apply in Spring to work following summer/fall)
• Must give a one year (two semester) commitment
• Must be able work at least 10 hours per week
• Good communication skills (written and verbal)
• 2 Letters of recommendations
• Group interview

Training topics:           

• How to read  and explain the Student Degree Audit
• Requirements of the three degrees (BA, BS,  and BBA)
• Tier I, II and III degree requirements and the eligibility requirements  for each  degree
• Which questions need to be referred to an Academic Advisor
• When to make referrals and Where to refer students for career exploration, tutoring/help, campus jobs, counseling, etc.
• How to request a credit overload, withdrawal of classes, declare minor, etc.
• Review of college policies ( probation, drop dates, repeat policy)
• General college information (maps, calendar, department contacts)
• Rule of Confidentiality
• Conflict Resolution
• Basic Counseling/advising skills and techniques

Training to become a Peer Advisor:
Training will kick off in August 2008 and run for 8 weeks.

Click here to download the application form for Peer Advising 2008. [PDF]