Office of Academic Advising and Transitions- Peer Advisor (Work Study)

Position Summary 

Peer Advisors are student leaders who serve as the primary point of contact for undergraduate students visiting the Academic Help Desk and the Academic Advising Center. This role blends triage advising support, front-desk operations, and student outreach to provide timely and student-centered assistance. Grounded in humanistic and proactive advising principles, Peer Advisors help students navigate academic resources, clarify initial advising concerns, and connect with professional staff and campus services. Peer Advisors also assist with advising programming, technology support, and peer guidance. This role offers meaningful leadership development in a high-impact student support setting. 

Reports To: Aaron Flores- Academic Advising and Transitions (main office)

Core Responsibilities 

Triage Advising and Student Support (40%) 

• Provide first-level academic support to students by clarifying basic academic policies, registration steps, and common advising procedures. 
• Identify the nature and urgency of student needs and direct them to the appropriate advisor, office, or resource using a triage framework. 
• Help students understand holds, course planning tools, and deadlines; assist with accessing degree audits and NavigateTXST. 
• Escalate complex academic, personal, or emotional concerns to professional staff. 
• Maintain a welcoming, empathetic presence in the advising center that affirms students’ identities, questions, and experiences. 
   

Outreach and Programming Support (25%) 

• Participate in outreach campaigns, including appointment reminders, check-ins, and communication via Navigate. 
• Support the coordination and delivery of advising workshops, orientation events, and academic success programming. 
• Assist in developing materials (handouts, FAQs, infographics) that support student understanding of advising topics. 
   

Administrative and Technology Support (20%) 

• Manage front-desk functions including phone, email, check-in, and general office organization. 
• Use NavigateTXST to schedule appointments, log student interactions, and support advising campaigns. 
• Ensure the advising center is stocked with up-to-date information and materials. 
   

Training and Development (15%) 

• Participate in required onboarding and continued training related to triage advising, student populations, communication, and technology. 
• Engage in reflective discussions to enhance peer advising skills and deepen understanding of humanistic and holistic advising practices. 
   

Minimum Qualifications 

• Current undergraduate student in good academic standing (minimum 2.75 GPA preferred). 
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills. 
• Comfortable learning and using advising-related platforms like Navigate. 
• Commitment to being reliable, professional, and student-centered. 
   

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in peer mentoring, student leadership, orientation, or tutoring. 
• Interest in higher education, student affairs, advising, or education-related careers. 
• Familiarity with academic planning systems and student success resources. 
   

Key Competencies 

• Triage problem-solving and judgment 
• Peer communication and empathy 
• Professionalism and dependability 
• Attention to detail and comfort with technology 

Employee Evaluation Process

Supervisor will conduct an end-of-semester evaluation with each student worker to discuss performance. 

Payrate Determination

Student employees will begin at the starting pay rate and may increase after conducting a positive evaluation from their supervisor using the Student Assistant Evaluation for Raise form.

Location: Trauth-Huffman Hall 120