Peer Advisor Program Application

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Please respond to the application questions thoroughly and clearly.  The quality of the essay responses is crucial to the selections process.  Incomplete or underdeveloped answers will preclude an applicant’s proceeding to the next phase of the selection process: the interview.

APPLICATION DEADLINE - 

  1. Application deadline: Extended until Friday, February 2, 2024 at 11:59 pm.  Late applications will not be accepted.
  2. Completed applications and 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. 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 Form link (PA Reference Form)

First round notifications will be sent via email the week of February 5, 2024. If you do not receive a letter by February 12, 2024, please contact the Office of African-American Affairs at (434) 924-7923. Interviews will be held on Saturday Feb 17, 2024  beginning at 9am

Please be aware, interviews will be conducted in late February.  Requests for interviews outside of this time frame will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and they will only be granted if there are extenuating circumstances.  Please plan in advance.

Decision letters will be emailed the week of March 4, 2024. If you have not received your letter by March 11, 2024, please contact the Office of African-American Affairs immediately at (434) 924-7923.

Mandatory Orientation/Training Sessions

If you are selected as a 2024 – 2025 Peer Advisor, or Peer Advisor Alternate, you will be required to attend New Peer Advisor Spring Orientation, on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 9am.

All new Peer Advisors are required to enroll in EDHS 3895: Peer Counseling Theory and Skills by the end of their first Semester/year as a Peer Advisor, unless they have already taken the course. 

Description of a Peer Advisor

A Peer Advisor is someone who is committed to improving the experiences of incoming students who identify as Black, including first year and transfer students. They strive to ease the transition of these students by providing academic, social, and emotional support. In line with program goals, they serve as role models and friends to their advisees, all the while supporting their fellow program members in leadership development activities. In addition, Peer Advisors are also knowledgeable about issues facing the Black community and strive to make it better. They set a good example for their advisees and other Advisors through their academic achievements and involvements at UVA and in the greater Charlottesville community.

A Peer Advisor is also considerate of others, reliable, honest, caring, and empathetic. They are well-rounded, have a strong sense of duty, and the capably to handle the challenges that come with taking on a leadership position. Effective time management skills, or the humility to ask for help in acquiring said skills are critical. This allows them to balance their other commitments while fulfilling the responsibilities of the Program. Finally, a Peer Advisor will be expected to do the following as part of their commitment to the program: 1) enroll in and complete EDHS 3895 by the end of their first semester as a Peer Advisor, 2) attend scheduled monthly meetings and mandatory events for the program at large, and 3) attend four Raising the Bar sessions per semester, including one Raising the Bar Kickoff Event held during the fall. In conclusion, Peer Advisors within the Office of African American Affairs represent the community and success of the strong Black students at UVA, and carry a great responsibility and privilege to serve others.

Qualifications

  • A returning full-time student that will be on Grounds in the fall semester. (If you will be studying abroad in the Fall semester after your appointment, you will not be considered for a Peer Advisor Position)
  • Good academic standing (minimum GPA 2.80, or a cumulative GPA of 2.80 for the last two semesters)
  • Committed to working with a diverse group of peers, as well as entering students
  • Willingness to share time, talents, energy, and knowledge with students in the entering class and the Program at large
  • Passionate about helping students acclimate socially, academically and psychologically
  • Desire to be a trained helper

 

Final appointments are contingent upon meeting the PA qualifications, attendance to the training sessions and meetings as outlined by the director.

We look forward to your application  

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 19, 2024 at 11:59 pm

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.