Peer Advisor
Peer Advisors are the faces of Academic & Career Development, University College, and IUPUI. They help students transition to the university, master basic academic processes, act as a referral source, and offer a complementary point of view to advisor perspectives.
In addition to advising students on the “real deal” when it comes to navigating the university, Peer Advisors actively engage in training and professional development to enhance their own experience, promoting increasing levels of responsibility and furthering skill development.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
30% Provide drop-in advising services to University College students, both in person and online:
- Support students through the process of searching for courses, building a schedule, and enrolling in classes.
- Guide students in making schedule adjustments (adding and dropping classes) and complete withdrawals from the university, as needed.
- Assist students with the completion SAP Appeal forms, Passport Agreements, Transfer Course Evaluation form, and other university documents that require advisor recommendations and approval.
- Update students on their status as it relates to admission requirements to transition out of University College and into their degree granting school.
- Maintain comprehensive and accurate records of drop-in student meetings in the Advising Records (AdRx) system.
30% Provide front-line service to students, staff, and guests, in person, online, and on the phone:
- Offer guidance on university policies, procedures, and deadlines.
- Provide information on campus resources and direct students to them, as appropriate.
- Assist with the navigation of technology including email, One, Canvas, iGPS, and various university websites.
- Manage staff calendars, schedule appointments, and check students in for meetings.
- Maintaining inventory, organization, and overall operation of front desk and lobby areas.
- Speak with prospective students to provide general IUPUI and program information.
20% Support ACD’s programmatic, outreach, communications, research, and administrative functions:
- Lead office outreach initiatives to support and guide students demonstrating low Canvas engagement, who are in need of an advising meeting, or to offer assistance with registration for the upcoming semester.
- Manage and respond to student inquiries through the general advising and advising team email accounts; refer emails and voicemails to professional staff as needed.
- Research and create educational materials for specific initiatives, including but not limited to videos, tip sheets, handouts, and website content.
- Create communication plans, engage students, and manage teams’ overall Canvas and social media presence
10% Mentor University College students on first-time academic probation, meeting weekly to coach them through challenges impacting their academic success at IUPUI.
10% Attend and actively engage in all training, professional development, and weekly staff meetings.
Knowledge & Skills to Be Gained:
Through their work, Peer Advisors develop a wide-range of knowledge and skills, sought by employers and transferable to a variety of career fields. Student in this role will gain the ability to:
- Communicate complex information clearly and concisely; deliver difficult news with empathy
- Demonstrate active listening and use questions to clarify and confirm needs and goals
- Exercise creative problem solving and decision-making in collaboration with others
- Demonstrate initiative and adaptability in a dynamic work environment
- Articulate how their experience supports specific qualifications and broad career aspirations
Required Qualifications:
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
- Working knowledge of university email, Canvas, One, iGPS, and class registration process.
- Skill in problem solving and communication (verbal and written).
- Ability to conduct self in a professional manner and embrace the diversity of all IUPUI students and guests.
- Ability to listen actively and ask questions to determine the needs of students and guests.
- Ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with other staff.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality when working with student educational records.