Peer Advising

 

Peer advising was established at the request of and in collaboration with the UW-L Student Government to provide a student-to-student component for the advising system already in place at UW-L.

 

Peer advisors are students helping students. Peer advisors help students get answers to questions they have regarding not only the registration process, but academic, career, and personal concerns as well. They can provide a developing relationship that will be very beneficial during the college years.

 

Peer advisors are not intended to replace the faculty advisor, rather, they provide an alternative perspective on the academic process. Peer advisors support advisees and can refer them to other appropriate campus offices for further assistance in a variety of different ways related to the college experience.

 

Peer advising takes place in the Academic Advising Center - as well as in the residence halls and in lots of other locations on campus. We like to think of it as a more informal "friend to friend" kind of advising system.

 

Do you want to be a Peer Advisor?

 

WHO IS A PEER ADVISOR? A person who:

 

• Helps students be more aware of self, and interaction with colleges and the university

 

• Listens constructively, hearing all aspects of students' expressed problem

 

• Minimizes the frustration of students during registration & drop/add periods

 

• Willingly & actively participates in peer advisor training

 

 

DEFINITION OF A PEER ADVISOR:

 

To enhance the academic/career system already in use: Academic Advising Center, Career Services, Counseling & Testing Center, faculty, program directors, Assistants to the Deans.

 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A PEER ADVISOR:

 

1.  Help students discover their interests & skills by using a computerized guidance system.

 

2.  Explore the connection of different majors/minors to career interests and guide students through the requirements for

     each.

 

3.  Assist in understanding the Advisement Report and WINGS registration system.

 

4.  Explain academic policies (how to change your major/minor, how to drop a class, last day of the semester to drop a

     class, etc.).

 

5.  Discuss student awareness of short and long range educational goals.

 

6.  Encourage all students to seek advisement from their assigned advisor at least once each semester.

 

7.  Understand other student services (job placement, internships, academic problems, tutoring assistance, etc.)

     providing appropriate referrals.

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS OF A PEER ADVISOR:

 

• UW-L full time (12 credits) undergraduate student at time of employment

 

• Able to give a one-year commitment (fall & spring semesters)

 

• Completed a minimum of 30 UW-L credits prior to employment

 

• Academically strong

 

• Computer skills

 

• Strong communication skills

 

• Positive attitude

 

• Self-motivated

 

 

Important! Peer advisors are required to participate in all orientation/training sessions scheduled prior to the start of the fall semester and weekly meetings throughout the academic year.

 

Salary:

This is a paid position (hourly pay to determined for the 2012/2013 academic year). Work hours will consist of 10 hours per week each semester and scheduled around student class schedule.

 

A Peer Advisor position will build your communication skills, make connections on campus, and give you a great experience to add to your resume.

 

If you are interested in applying for a Peer Advisor position and would like more information, please contact Sharie Brunk at 608.785.6950.

 

 

 

PeerSpectives Spring 2013

 

PeerSpectives Fall 2012

 

PeerSpectives Spring 2012

 

PeerSpectives Fall 2011