What is the Peer Advising Program?
The primary job of a Falk College Peer Advisor is to help incoming freshmen and transfer students understand and transition into college life. The Peer Advisor contacts their advisees (usually 8-10 students) in the summer and then meets with their group of advisees during Opening Weekend in the Fall. After that, Peer Advisors are asked to be available to their advisees as needed, especially during their first semester of study here.
Peer Advisors may also assist the Falk College Student Services Office in a variety of other ways. They may help with the various meetings and activities during Syracuse Welcome-New Student Orientation, give small group campus tours, and help with schedule adjustments. Peer Advisors may also assist in the Gateway classes that all Falk College freshmen take their first semester.
There are orientation/training sessions for Peer Advisors both before they go home for the summer and immediately before the start of the Fall semester.
Why do it?
For students that want to become Peer Advisors, their primary motivation is that they enjoy helping other students. As added motivation, they know that this type of leadership, while in college, impresses potential employers and admission committees at graduate schools.
What are the qualifications?
The first criterion is a genuine desire to help others, even when it isn’t always convenient. Another is the willingness to be available for the entire academic year in the Peer Advisor role. While the major part of the load is during those first few weeks, there are additional tasks at other times throughout the year.
We also require that you be in good academic and judicial standing. You also must be able to be on campus before classes start for the Fall semester for 2 MANDATORY Peer Advisor orientation/training sessions on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 and Wednesday, August 26, 2015 and then for your meeting with your advisees on Saturday, August 29, 2015.
(We help with your early entrance into housing and arrange for free meal cards for those first few days).
How do I apply?
Click on one of the application links below, complete the application and it will automatically be emailed to Malissa Monaghan, Peer Advising Program Coordinator.
If you have any questions regarding the Peer Advising Program, please email Malissa Monaghan mamonagh@syr.edu.
Applications must be submitted by 5:00pm on Monday, March 30, 2015.