Peer Academic Advisor — 2018–2019

Purpose

To serve as a student leader providing accurate academic advising and referral information by meeting with students and working closely with multiple departments on campus.

Description

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide information to students on matters pertaining to academic life (e.g. curriculum, study habits, time management, note taking, test prep, general education curricula, Bible requirements, major-specific curricula, substitution requests, add/drop process, course selection, registration, My Account, etc.) during one-on-one appointments or group advising sessions.
• Serve as facilitator and community builder in assigned section of First Year Seminar (FYS) for new students (at the discretion of the FYS Instructor). Attend assigned section of FYS.
• Demonstrate a detailed knowledge regarding academic programs, extracurricular activities and campus resources. The Peer Academic Advisor will be trained on promoting vital components of the Biola academic journey (e.g. Integration of faith and learning, time management, academic success skills, Strengths Finder, etc.).
• Hold walk-in advising hours.
• Maintain thorough and consistent communication with supervisor regarding all student advising sessions. Maintain thorough and consistent communication with FYS Instructor during FYS.
• Assist with information sessions for the Biola community regarding specific academic topics.
• Model an appreciation for and understanding of foundational concepts in the academic life, particularly Christ-centered learning and diversity.
• Perform other duties and special departmental projects for advising as assigned.

Qualifications

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (limited exceptions may be made for students with below a 3.0).
• Proven academic commitment, leadership abilities, teamwork experience, organizational skills, problem solving competencies, demonstrated appreciation of diversity and a vibrant commitment to academic biblical integration.
• A one-year commitment is required. The weekly time commitment is 10 hours/week with some exceptions.
• Candidates must be available to work during the Fall Semester in an assigned FYS course.

Peer Academic Advisor Majors

• Art
• Biology
• Christian Ministries
• Cinema & Media Arts
• Communication Sciences & Disorders
• Communication Studies
• Journalism
• Kinesiology
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Public Relations
• Sociology
• Undecided — All majors may apply

Training Expectations

• Peer Academic Advisors must be available for a paid, on-campus training August 27–29, 2018.
• Peer Academic Advisors must be available for a paid, weekend training September 14–16, 2018.
• Additional Note: Peer Academic Advisors who have not taken the Clifton Strengths Finder Assessment must complete the assessment provided by the Advising Center.
• Peer Academic Advisors are expected to attend a mandatory one-hour weekly staff meeting during Fall and Spring semesters.