Pre-Health Peer Advising

Purpose:

The purpose of the Pre-Health Advising Program is to meet the varied needs and provide referrals for resources of self-identified freshman pre-health USD students, from qualified Peer Advisors under the direction and guidance of the Pre-Health and National Awards Advising Office. Through these collaborative efforts, facilitate the information process for those who have a shared interest in achieving acceptance into medical or other health professions schools (pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, pre-veterinary, pre-PT, pre-nursing, etc). This program is designed to match new incoming freshmen with academically successful upper classmen and for the Peer Advisor to develop an informal advising relationship with regards to specific health care career interests.

Peer Advising Hours Fall 2008

2008/09 Peer Advisors

If you are interested in becoming a peer advisor:

Peer Advisor Requirements:

Sophomore or Junior status (Currently)

3.20 GPA (cumulative)

Successful completion of Chemistry 151, 152 and Biology 221 and 225

Peer Advisor Duties and Responsibilities:

• Meet with your assigned advisees at least six times during fall and spring semesters, the minimum of four times per semester for the remainder of the academic year (this is a one year commitment). You should expect to spend at least one to two hours per week meeting your advisees, and engaging in Peer Advisor activities.

• Most Peer Advisors will have several advisees, therefore some of the meetings can be in groups, while some will need to be one-on-one sessions. Each Peer Advisor will be required to volunteer a minimum of one hour per week with on-site drop-in advising.

• Phone conversation and email correspondence are useful, but Peer Advisors are encouraged to schedule more in-person meetings than other types of meetings with their advisees. Keep a record of your meeting days and times on the log sheet (to be provided) and turn it in during the monthly staff meeting.

• During the initial Peer Advisor training session conducted prior to the beginning of the semester, you will be given a list of your assigned students. As a courtesy, you will be responsible for contacting your students by telephone and email within 48 hours of assignment matches.

• Maintain an overall USD grade point average of 3.20 or higher.

• Agree to confidentiality issues and responsibilities.

• Attend the Pre-Health Peer Advisor Training Session and all monthly Peer Advisor Staff Meetings conducted during the academic year.