Peer Advisor Program Application

Peer Advisor Program

2027–2028 Application Information

Peer Advisor Program Overview

The Peer Advisor (PA) Program is dedicated to supporting the academic, social, personal, and emotional success of incoming students at the University of Virginia. Through mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement, Peer Advisors help first-year and transfer students successfully navigate their transition to the University and develop a strong sense of belonging.

Peer Advisors serve as mentors, role models, advocates, and resources who encourage students to become active and engaged members of the UVA community. Through intentional relationships, meaningful programming, and ongoing support, Peer Advisors help create an environment where students from all backgrounds can connect, grow, and thrive.

Academic Course Requirement

All newly selected Peer Advisors are required to enroll in and successfully complete EDHS 3895: Peer Counseling Theory and Skills by the end of their first semester as a Peer Advisor, unless they have previously completed the course.

Description of a Peer Advisor

A Peer Advisor is a dedicated student leader who is passionate about helping incoming first-year and transfer students successfully transition to life at the University of Virginia. Peer Advisors provide academic, social, and emotional support while fostering meaningful relationships and helping students develop confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging within the University community.

Peer Advisors serve as mentors, role models, and trusted resources for their advisees. They assist students in navigating University resources, developing effective academic habits, identifying opportunities for campus involvement, and overcoming challenges associated with adjusting to college life.

Beyond their work with advisees, Peer Advisors actively contribute to the overall success of the Peer Advisor Program through leadership development, community-building initiatives, collaborative programming, and service to the University community.

Effective Peer Advisors demonstrate integrity, empathy, accountability, reliability, compassion, and respect for others. They are committed to creating welcoming and supportive environments for students from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Peer Advisors are expected to maintain a strong sense of responsibility, demonstrate effective communication and time management skills, and balance their academic, personal, and leadership commitments. They must also demonstrate a willingness to learn, receive feedback, seek assistance when necessary, and continuously develop their leadership abilities.

Peer Advisor Responsibilities

As a member of the Peer Advisor Program, each Peer Advisor is expected to:

  1. Complete Required Coursework: Enroll in and successfully complete EDHS 3895: Peer Counseling Theory and Skills by the end of their first semester, unless previously completed.
  2. Support Assigned Advisees: Maintain consistent and meaningful communication with assigned students, provide guidance and mentorship, monitor student engagement, and connect advisees with appropriate University resources.
  3. Utilize the MentorPro App: All Peer Advisors are required to use the MentorPro app as the primary and official platform for all communication with their assigned advisees. Peer Advisors are expected to:
    • Communicate consistently with advisees through the MentorPro app.
    • Respond to advisee messages in a timely and professional manner.
    • Use the app to facilitate check-ins, share important information, and promote program events and opportunities.
    • Maintain accurate records of communication and engagement within the platform.
    • Follow all program expectations regarding MentorPro usage, confidentiality, and professional communication.
  4. Attend Program Meetings and Events: Participate in scheduled monthly meetings, required training sessions, and mandatory program events.
  5. Participate in Raising the Bar: Attend a minimum of 3 Raising the Bar sessions each semester, including the Raising the Bar Kickoff Event held during the fall semester.
  6. Demonstrate Leadership and Professionalism: Serve as a positive representative of the Peer Advisor Program through responsible decision-making, academic commitment, integrity, and respectful engagement with others.
  7. Promote Student Engagement and Belonging: Encourage advisees to participate in campus activities, develop meaningful relationships, and become actively involved in the University community.
  8. Collaborate with Fellow Peer Advisors: Support program initiatives, participate in committee responsibilities, and contribute to creating a positive and collaborative team environment.
  9. Maintain Academic and Personal Accountability: Balance academic responsibilities with program commitments while communicating proactively with program leadership regarding challenges or concerns.

Important: Consistent and appropriate use of MentorPro is a required component of the Peer Advisor role. All routine communication with advisees must take place through the app to support effective mentorship, accountability, and consistent program engagement, except where alternative communication is authorized by program leadership.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following qualifications:

  • Be a returning, full-time University of Virginia student who will be on Grounds during the fall semester of the appointment year. Students planning to study abroad during that fall semester will not be eligible for consideration.
  • Be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.80 or a GPA of at least 2.80 across the previous two semesters.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to working with and supporting students from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
  • Be willing to share their time, talents, energy, experiences, and knowledge with incoming students and fellow program members.
  • Demonstrate a genuine passion for helping students acclimate academically, socially, and personally to University life.
  • Possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to listen actively and engage respectfully with others.
  • Exhibit reliability, accountability, empathy, integrity, and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
  • Demonstrate effective time management skills and the ability to balance academic responsibilities with program expectations.
  • Show a willingness to participate in required training, leadership development opportunities, and program activities.
  • Have a desire to become a trained peer mentor and develop the skills necessary to support the success and well-being of others.

Important: Final appointments are contingent upon meeting all Peer Advisor qualifications and successfully completing the required orientation, training sessions, meetings, and other expectations established by program leadership.

Application Process and Important Dates

We look forward to receiving your application and learning more about your interest in becoming a Peer Advisor!

1. Application Deadline

Date: January 15th, 2027
Time: 11:59 p.m.

All applications must be submitted online by the stated deadline. Late applications will not be accepted.

2. Application and Reference Requirements

Completed applications and all required reference forms must be submitted online no later than 11:59 p.m. on the application deadline.

Each applicant is required to submit two reference forms.

Applicants should select individuals who know them well enough to speak meaningfully about their character, leadership potential, work ethic, interpersonal skills, and commitment to serving others.

Appropriate references may include professors, teachers, coaches, supervisors, mentors, or other individuals who have worked with the applicant in an academic, professional, or leadership capacity.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their references submit the required forms by the application deadline. Applications missing required materials will be considered incomplete.

Reference Form: PA Reference Form (link to be provided)

3. First-Round Notifications

Notification Date: To Be Announced

Applicants will be notified via email regarding their advancement to the interview stage.

Please monitor your University email regularly for important updates and communications from the Peer Advisor Program.

4. Peer Advisor Selection Interview Day

Date: Saturday, March 20, 2027
Start Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: TBD

Applicants selected to advance in the process will be invited to participate in Peer Advisor Selection Interview Day.

The interview process provides an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their communication, collaboration, problem-solving, interpersonal, and leadership abilities while sharing their motivation for serving as a Peer Advisor.

Candidates will receive additional information regarding their assigned interview times, locations, expectations, and preparation instructions.

Important Interview Information

  • Selected candidates are expected to participate in the scheduled interview process.
  • Applicants should make arrangements to be available on March 20.
  • Requests for alternative interview arrangements will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and granted only when extenuating circumstances exist.
  • Applicants should communicate potential scheduling conflicts as early as possible.

5. Final Selection Notifications

Decision Notification Date: March 22nd & March 23rd, 2027

Applicants will receive notification of their selection status via their University email.

Candidates may be selected as a Peer Advisor, designated as a Peer Advisor Alternate, or notified that they were not selected.

All selection decisions are contingent upon applicants meeting the program's established qualifications and requirements.

6. Mandatory New Peer Advisor Orientation and Training

Date: April 2027 (Specific dates to be announced)

Students selected as 2027–2028 Peer Advisors or Peer Advisor Alternates will be required to attend the New Peer Advisor Spring Orientation and all designated training sessions.

These sessions are designed to prepare incoming Peer Advisors for their responsibilities and provide foundational knowledge and skills in mentorship, student engagement, communication, leadership, and University resources.

Attendance and participation are mandatory components of the appointment process.

Questions or Additional Information

For questions regarding the application process, eligibility requirements, or interview procedures, please contact:

Office of African-American Affairs
University of Virginia
Phone: (434) 924-7923

We appreciate your interest in the Peer Advisor Program and your willingness to positively impact the experiences of incoming students at the University of Virginia.

We look forward to receiving your application and identifying the next group of student leaders who will help us build connections, strengthen community, and support student success!

 

OAAA programs, support services, spaces, and events are open to all students, regardless of age, color, disability,  gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone is valued and respected.

Applicant Information
Are you an International student?
Academic Information
Do you plan to study abroad in the fall?
Did you transfer to UVA?
Do you plan to apply to the McIntire School of Commerce?
Do you plan to apply to the School of Education & Human Development?
Do you plan to apply to the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy?
Will you be employed during the upcoming academic year?
Have you ever been on Academic warning or suspension?
Extracurricular Information
Are you a member of a Varsity sports team?
List the organizations in which you have participated since your first semester of enrollment at the University of Virginia. Etc....
more items
List activities/organizations you expect to participate in next year.  List order of importance with “A” being the most important, and “B” being the second most important, etc.  Indicate the expected weekly time commitment.
References
Please list two references.
Reference Forms

Each applications requires two reference forms. Whomever you choose to write on your behalf, please be sure they know you well enough to speak to your character, or has worked with you in a professional capacity (teacher, professor, coach, supervisor, etc.) and can provide thoughtful feedback.  

Reference forms must be submitted online no later than 11:59 pm on the day the application is due or your application will be considered incomplete. 

Application deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:59 pm. Late applications will not be accepted.

Reference Form link (PA Reference Form)

 

Disclaimer and Signature
I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge.  I hereby give the Peer Advisor Program permission to verify this information as well as any information regarding my academic and disciplinary status.  I understand that the falsification of this application in any way is grounds for disqualification from further consideration for the position of Peer Advisor or Peer Advisor Alternate.
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