University of Richmond

Peer Advising Associates Program

Each year, a core group of approximately 16 students is selected and trained by the AARC Director and Program Coordinator for the position of "Peer Advising Associate" (PAA).  The PAA program provides a supplemental advising system intended to be part of the team of advising resources available to new students at the University of Richmond.  PAAs are not intended to replace academic advisors but rather add to their work in ways that enhance the new-student experience.

PAAs serve two primary roles:

First, each PAA is assigned a group of incoming students during late spring/early summer. The PAAs contact their assigned students via email, blog, and phone during the summer, helping them navigate the “Newspider” website and its “To-Do List.” This means helping incoming students meet deadlines, make choices, understand university procedures, and adjust to college life.  New students often have many questions (e.g., What organizations can I participate in?  What is life like in the residence halls? What should I bring for my room?  What if I do/don't have a car? How do I deal with my parents as I get ready to leave for college? What resources are available for me at Richmond?) and PAAs are an important source of answers.

Led by the AARC staff, PAAs also work with a group of faculty and staff summer advisors in helping students prepare for registration. New students often have serious concerns about how to create their first class schedule, and PAAs are trained to help them make good choices, seek out appropriate resources and follow registration procedures. Because they are peers, PAAs receive a broader array of questions than are typically addressed to faculty/staff advisors. This means that the effectiveness of the PAAs at answering and referring this wide range of questions can be especially helpful in reducing the stress of incoming students and easing their transition to Richmond;

Second, in addition to their summer contacts, the PAAs continue to be available to their assigned group of new students during the school year.  They make occasional contacts with these new students throughout the year, reminding them of important of deadlines, encouraging them to see their academic advisors at appropriate times, and helping them shape important questions they might ask their academic advisors or other resource people on campus. In addition, PAAs may also help new transfer students arriving mid-year with their adjustment concerns and questions.

PAAs are paid a stipend of $500 for their participation in the program.

Selection Criteria

Peer Advising Associates are students who:

  • Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher;
  • Are in good standing at the university;
  • Are available to work with new students via email, blog, and phone during the summer as well as in-person during the school year. (Students who will be abroad, student teaching, or otherwise away from the university for an extended period cannot serve as Peer Advising Associates during that year);
  • Possess excellent interpersonal communication and writing skills;
  • Are outgoing, enthusiastic, and concerned about others; and
  • Are available on campus for training during spring semester.

Apply 

To become a peer advising associate, complete an application. The application deadline for the program is March 3, 2008. 

For more information, contact us or stop by the AARC.