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Peer Advisors
The CAS Peer Advising Program facilitates the college transition process to create academically successful undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences.Ìý
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Who We Are
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) peer advisors are continuing CAS undergraduates who work primarily withÌýsecond year and undecided students. They are chosen from a select group of students and complete a rigorous interview and training process. Peer advisors help students pick classes and majors that suit their interests, provide information on academic policies and procedures, and make appropriate referrals to campus resources. They also provide advising based on their experiences as students at AU.ÌýIn addition to their advising duties,Ìýhold various on campus advising eventsÌýand assist in registration workshops. In the advising office, CAS peer advisors serve as an additional unit of academic support for all CAS undergraduates in the Academic Advising Office.
Abby St. JeanÌýNeuroscience, 2025
Abby is a senior from Darien, CT. She is majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Studio Art. She is involved with the Neuroendocrinology lab on campus, led by Professor Colin Saldanha, where she studies hormones and memory in songbird brains. Outside of her academic interests, Abby is involved with AmLit, AU's literary magazine, as an artist and Creative Director.ÌýAbby spends most of her time in the Hall of Science and in various coffee shops on campus, and wishes she had more time to pick up her crochet projects and read a good book.Ìý
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Sarah Ailor Psych, PR & StratComm, 2025
Sarah Ailor is a senior from Richmond, VA double majoring in Psychology & Public Relations and Strategic Communication. Sarah is the President of Au's Psychology Club, is also a member of the AU Outdoor Club and enjoys working at the swim school on campus. Additionally, Sarah works on campus in the CAS Advising Office as an Advising Assistant. In her free time, Sarah enjoys sitting outside of the Dav, attending AU sports games and playing her guitar.
Francesca Emmanuel
Psychology and Business Administration, 2025
Francesca Emanuel is a senior from Charlotte, North Carolina double majoring in Psychology and Business Administration and minoring in French Language. Francesca has been a DJ for WVAU for 2 years and is a founding member of the AU Film Club. Outside of school, Francesca loves to rock climb and look through records at flea markets.
Why See a Peer Advisor?
Peer advisors can provide academic information from their own student perspective. They advise students on the "real deal" when it comes to choosing classes, picking a major, and utilizing campus resources. They share the lessons they have learned as AU students. Because peers are highly trained on advising material, they are a valuable academic resource.
According to Koring, Campbell, et al,* peer advisors serve six purposes:
- Help new students transition to the university
- Help advisee master basic academic processes
- Teach and reinforce student skills for success (i.e. time management, study skills, etc)
- Act as referral source
- Offer a different but complementary point of view from staff or faculty advisors' perspectives
- Serve as role models for successful students
Common Questions for Peer Advisors
- What classes should I take next semester?
- How many general education courses/AU Core do I still need to take?
- I need help choosing a major. What are some helpful resources?
- How did you choose the major you are pursuing?
- What courses should an undecided student take?
- Generally, peer advisors can assist most students with questions about course registration, general education courses, waitlist procedures, choosing a major, and campus resources.
What StudentsÌýAreÌýSaying
"I loved meeting with my peer advisor. She was extremely helpful and understanding of my questions and provided in depth and helpful responses."
"The peer advising program was very helpful for me. I was feeling very alone/lost/unsure, but chatting with my peer advisor assured me I was on the right track."
"[My Peer Advisor] was great and so helpful! I definitely look to her as a resource for CAS specific questions as well as any AU questions in general!"
"This resource should really be praised! The informal setting and meeting with your peers is the perfect place for students to let down their guard and get help and learn new things. The peer advisors are so kind and considerate and I can't wait to go back!" *H. Koring and S. Campbell, Peer Advising: Intentional Connections to Support Student Learning, The National Advising Association, 2005.