Adult Learner & Veteran Services Peer Advisor

Adult Learner & Veteran Services (ALVS) Peer Advisor 

Colorado State University’s (CSU) Adult Learner & Veteran Services (ALVS) supports the increased academic achievement and holistic development for all adult learners, including but not limited to veterans and student parents, resulting in graduation from Colorado State University (CSU) and sustainable personal and professional success. We do this through engagement and leadership opportunities, community building and resource facilitation.  

ALVS Peer Advisors are current students who use their lived experiences and knowledge about campus to serve as peer mentors for the ALVS student population on campus. They provide informal support to their peers by outreaching to new students, answering questions, building self-advocacy skills, directing individuals to resources, and creating and executing opportunities for community building. ALVS Peer Advisors function as ambassadors, representing the ALVS at campus and community programming and events. They also bring awareness to the needs of the adult learner population, including student parents and student veterans, while increasing awareness of the resources available at CSU and within the local Fort Collins community. The Peer Advising team works collaboratively with professional and student staff to uphold ALVS’ inclusive and welcoming culture by enacting CSU’s Principles of Community in their work. Peer Advisors report directly to the ALVS Program Coordinator.  

Professional development is provided regarding the following topics: civil discourse, near-peer coaching practices, conflict resolution, mental health awareness, identity-based support, trauma informed care, accessibility best practices, and resource awareness.  

We are currently hiring Peer Advisors who may have interest in overseeing the following programs: 

• Professional Development/Career Center Workshops
• Queer/LGBTQIA+ Student Meet Ups
• Technology Workshops
• Parenting Student Programs/Meet Ups
• New Ideas (Are you passionate about bringing something else to the table? Let us know!)

Primary Responsibilities 

• Provide support and mentoring for students within the ALVS population, referring them to viable university and community resources when necessary.
• Participate in at least 5 office hours per week to connect with students organically or in planned 1:1 settings, complete outreach, connect with campus and community partners, and host weekly engagement events aimed at increasing students’ sense of belonging on campus.
• Attend mandatory weekly Peer Advisor team meetings/trainings, bi-weekly peer check-ins, and 30-minute 1:1s with the ALVS Program Coordinator.
• Support professional staff by supporting the execution of and engaging students within ALVS Transition programs, such as Orientation, RamWelcome, 6 Weeks to Success, ELEVATE, and IU172: New Student Seminar.
• Collaborate with fellow Peer Advisors and ALVS staff to find effective solutions to problems.
• Articulate the strengths and challenges of student parents, adult learners, and student veterans to internal and external audiences.
• Collaborate with other departments across campus to achieve mutual goals.
• Assist ALVS staff in effectively executing programs such as but not limited to ALVS Tailgates, Identity Week Planning & Programming, New Student Call Nights, etc.
• Develop and/or coordinate additional reoccurring and monthly social programs as assigned.
• Complete initial & continuing training session(s) to acquire skills in supporting students from diverse backgrounds.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Identifies as a nontraditional student, including but not limited to an adult learner, student veteran, or student parent and is currently enrolled as a Colorado State University student.
• Has recently completed at least one semester as a student at Colorado State University.
• Possess a commitment to working with diverse populations, identities, and experiences.
• Possess the desire to work with adult learners, student veterans, and student parents.
• Dedication to training and development in a multicultural environment to support the success of all students.
• Ability to adapt to and work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Ability to work autonomously and as a team member.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational, and oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to engage with and motivate people from diverse backgrounds.
• Must be able to commit to the position for at least one year.

Preferred Qualifications 

• A clear understanding of the issues, concerns, and needs of student parents, adult learners and student veterans attending a four-year institution.
• Knowledge of ALVS programs and events.

Pay Range: $16.00 (Students with or without Work Study may apply) 

Hours/Week: Varies, 8-10 hours/week on average. 5 hours minimum office hours, weekly mandatory peer advising team meetings/trainings, bi-weekly peer check-ins, bi-weekly 1:1 with supervisor (hours may include some evenings and/or weekends for programming) 

Responsible Employees: Yes. Peer Advisors are designated as Responsible Employees. Responsible Employees are required to report any and all information related to incidents of sexual misconduct and/or interpersonal violence to the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity. The University encourages Responsible Employees to remind students of their obligation to report information of this nature and to make a report as early as possible (within 24 hours of disclosure). For more information about Responsible Employee reporting obligations, please see the definition by clicking here. 

Background Check: 

Colorado State University may conduct background checks on final candidates. 

Benefit Information: 

Employee Benefit information can be found on HRS Website, https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/