SARN Peer Advisor Job Description for 2010-2011

The Deans' Office is looking for talented and motivated students to become SARN Peer Advisors for the 2010-2011 academic year. SARN Peer Advisors are juniors and seniors who work throughout the academic year to support Wesleyan's faculty advising program and enhance student access to academic resources through the Student Academic Resource Network (SARN). Peer Advisors will receive training, give individualized peer advice and facilitate workshops for groups of students regarding time management, public speaking, study and exam preparation strategies.

Duties

• Support new students with schedule planning and preparation for faculty advisor meetings during New Student Orientation and provide basic support for other orientation activities, including assisting with Arrival Day move in and as assigned.
• Act as an informed resource for all students regarding matters related to registration, WesMaps, major declaration, and schedule planning during registration periods (November and April).
• Act as a referral source throughout the academic year to support Wesleyan's faculty advising program and enhance student access to academic resources through the Student Academic Resource Network (SARN) by holding drop in sessions in the residence halls or other student populated locations.
• Guide students in accessing the many academic resources available at Wesleyan, and provide referrals.
• Prepare and facilitate academic support workshops focusing on time management, public speaking, studying and exam preparation strategies.
• Give individual peer advice on effective time management, studying and exam preparation.
• Attend one training for posting to, monitoring of and responding to posts to the Peer Advisor blog in April or May.
• Attend intensive two week peer advising training prior to and during New Student Orientation (you may not commit to other responsibilities during this time without consulting your supervisor).
• Participate in the planning and implementation of extended orientation programming through First Year Matters (FYM).
• Attend bi-weekly on-going training sessions throughout the fall and spring semesters.
• Administrative duties associated with the position include, but are not limited to, regular reporting of peer advising and facilitation sessions, advertisement of sessions, communication with faculty, SARN partners, Residential Life and Student Activities staff, regular monitoring of correspondence on the peer advisor list serve, and other basic administrative duties as they arise.

Key qualifications

• Rising junior or senior (exceptional sophomores might be considered).
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations of students, faculty, and staff.
• Capacity for discretion, diplomacy and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated record of leadership, maturity and academic excellence.
• Resourcefulness.
• Deep knowledge of Wesleyan University including the academic support systems, registration processes and policies, and how to navigate academic departments.
• Prior experience in a peer advising role such as a Resident Advisor, Peer Career Advisor, Orientation Leader, Assistant,Teaching Assistant, or Writing Tutor is preferred.
• Maintain a GPA of 3.2/4.0, remain in good standing, and have a clear judicial history. (Please feel free to contact Dean Lazare to discuss the specifics of this qualification.)

Terms and Benefits

• Period of appointment: One welcome event in the late afternoon/early evening on April 26, 2010, one blog training session during April or May, blogging from June - May; on campus for training, orientation and when classes are in session from August - May (unless December grad or studying off campus during the spring semester).
• Hours per week: Flexible evening hours during academic year (approx. 2-4 hrs per week), plus Orientation week hours, plus possible flexible hours for on-line peer advising to new students from June through August.
• Compensation: $10/hour during the academic year, plus stipend, room and board for all training sessions held during and prior to Orientation week. 

Application

Application materials are available via a link at http://www.wesleyan.edu/deans/peeradvising/. Applications consist of an application form, resume, and faculty reference form. Please send your application form and resume via e-mail to Lorna Scott in the Student Affairs Office/Deans' Office at lscott@wesleyan.edu, or drop them off in North College 219. Provide a copy of your resume to the faculty member who recommends you and ask the faculty member to submit a reference for you through the "Peer Advisor Recommendation" link in the "Advising" section of the faculty e-portfolio. Application deadline for all materials is Monday, March 29, 2010.

Questions?

Please contact:

Sarah E. Lazare
Associate Dean for Student Academic Resources
x2332, slazare@wesleyan.edu