Peer Advisor Program

Making the transition from high school to college can be overwhelming. Many of us remember feeling both excited and terrified by the sudden independence. We remember the fear of facing big decisions early on without the information, resources, and background that comes with being a sophomore, junior, or senior.

The Georgetown University College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Office believes that current students can be helpful to new students during this transition period by sharing experiences, providing insight, and responding to questions and concerns.

Peer advisors are matched with incoming first-year and transfer students over the summer. Students who enter the College with a declared major are matched to a peer advisor with the same or similar major. Students who enter the College undeclared are matched with a peer advisor who entered the College the same way: in a position to explore different areas before choosing a major course of study.


Be a Peer Advisor

Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors are invited to apply for our Peer Advisor Program! CAS Peer Advisors serve an essential role in the orientation of our newest Hoyas. As a Peer Advisor, you will be assigned to a small group of incoming students. You will work with them over the summer to help them understand degree requirements, select and register for their first courses, and answer any and all of their questions about academics and life at Georgetown. Most importantly, you can alleviate some of their anxieties about the upcoming transition, and address their concerns about the virtual and physical environments on campus. You will also play an integral role in New Student Orientation and Parent and Family Weekend. 

If you enjoy mentoring your peers and feel you have valuable advice to give, please consider serving as a CAS Peer Advisor!

The deadline for applying for the CAS Peer Advisor Program is Friday April 19, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

To be eligible for the program:

Students must be in good academic and social standing, have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, be studying on campus in the Fall 2024 semester, be accessible over the summer by email and phone, and be able to return to campus by 9am on Friday, August 23, 2024. (Move-in is usually scheduled for Aug 21 but that may change depending on the NSO schedule)

To be selected for the program:

Students must submit thoughtful responses to the application questions. It should be clear to the selection committee that the applicant has a true interest in advising new students and that s/he will work hard to provide only accurate and positive advice.

Please note that it is not advisable for students to serve as both CAS Peer Advisors and Orientation Advisors due to the demands of both roles during New Student Orientation.

Peer advisor responsibilities include (but are not limited to!):

  1. Contacting advisees over the summer to assist and reassure them as they register for classes
  2. Working closely with the CAS Dean’s Office and faculty advisors during New Student Orientation and the Fall 2024 add/drop period
  3. Assisting advisees with registration and add/drop
  4. Working with the CAS Dean’s Office during Parent & Family Weekend in Fall 2024
  5. Maintaining good contact with advisees throughout the year
  6. Attending peer advisor events as scheduled

The application is available through Friday, April 19th, 2024. Please note that you will not be able to save a partial application. Your application is not complete until a confirmation message is displayed on the screen.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Assistant Dean Stefan Zimmers.