UIUC Division of General Studies Peer Advisor
Description: The Division of General Studies (DGS) is seeking undergraduate student leaders, who are interested in being a positive influence on the DGS campus community, to assist with our summer registration program for incoming first-year students. DGS is the starting point for the University of Illinois students who wish to explore their options before declaring a major. We also serve students in transition between colleges or majors. The DGS student body is approximately 3,000 students. The summer Peer Advisors will work closely with DGS advisors and administrators to gain necessary knowledge to assist incoming freshman in planning for their first semester of college.
Responsibilities:
- Learn about the academic advising profession by being an integral part of Summer Registration
- Collaborate with DGS academic advisors, administrators, and other campus partners
- Serve as a point person for roughly 1,700 new students
- Facilitate morning small group meetings for DGS students during Summer Registration
- Assist new students with registration of courses for the fall semester
The DGS Summer Peer Advisor position will assist students with the following skill development:
- Collaboration/Teamwork
- Presentation skills
- Small group facilitation
- Mentoring
- Problem solving
- Critical Thinking
Two informational sessions will be held for candidates to gain a better understanding of the position and the application process. Candidates are not required to attend an information meeting, however, it is highly encouraged.
Dates for these meetings are listed below:
Thursday, March 15, 11am-Noon: Illini Union Bookstore Building, room 504
Thursday, March 29, 3-4pm: Illini Union Bookstore Building, room 514
Peer Advisors must be available for three weeks of training before the end of the spring semester. Dates are listed below. Two options are given for each week. Peer Advisors only need to attend one meeting per week.
Tuesday, April 17, 8-10am OR Friday, April 20, 1:30-3:30pm
Tuesday, April 24, 8-10am OR Friday, April 27, 1:30-3:30pm
Tuesday, May 1, 8-10am OR Wednesday, May 2, 1:30-3:30pm
Full staff training will begin May 14. Peer Advisors must be available May 14, 15 and 16 for full staff training. A schedule will be released as we get closer to the end of the spring semester. Peer Advisors will be responsible for working approximately 30 hours per week from May 29- July 6. The pay for this position is $8.25 per hour.
Qualifications:
- Strong communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to work well with others
- Knowledge of the Course Explorer website
- Knowledge of UI Integrate Self Service
- Minimum GPA of 2.0 or above
Preferred Qualifications:
- Former DGS student
- Familiarity of ICT process
- Knowledge of Illinois general education requirements
- Junior or Senior class standing for Fall 2018
- Demonstrated leadership experience
- GPA of 2.5 or above
- Attendance of a peer advisor informational session
To apply: Email a cover letter, resume and three references to Jessica Arnold, jarnold7@illinois.edu by 5pm on April 2, 2018. Applications received after 5pm will not be considered.
