Peer Advisors

Peer Advisors are senior, junior, and sophomore engineering students who assist new students with the academic transition from high school to college. As part of their participation in the Engineering Seminar (ENGRG 1050), all first-year students will interact with their Peer Advisors.
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Peer Advisor Learning Outcomes

  • Collaboration

    Demonstrate collaboration, critical reflection, judgment, and organizational skills by partnering with peers and faculty to co-facilitate the logistics of the 12-week curriculum successfully.

  • Communication

    Foster communication and leadership skills needed to effectively engage first-year students by sharing information that will enhance personal and academic success.

  • Mentorship

    Help mentor, build connections with, give advice, and provide peer insight to first-year students by utilizing personal lived experiences.

  • Inclusiveness

    Promote community and an inclusive environment with and among first-year students by listening, empathizing, and cultivating a sense of belonging to improve their transition to Cornell Engineering and Cornell University.

Become a Peer Advisor

Successful Peer Advisors:

  • Desire to help others.
  • Have strong communication skills: listening, building relationships, approachability.
  • Take an interest in first-year student transition issues.
  • Take initiative.
  • Are able to successfully work in a team with other Peer Advisors and a faculty member.
  • Have the ability to be flexible and work with many different personalities.
  • Are able to develop creative ways to generate discussion and introduce students to the Engineering community.

Eligibility

  • Be affiliated with an engineering major at Cornell University.
    • Alternatively, be a second semester student or sophomore intending to affiliate with an engineering major at Cornell University.
  • Be in good academic standing.
  • Follow published application procedures, complete an interview if necessary, and attend training if selected.

Expectations

  • Complete required training sessions.
  • Attend assigned Engineering Seminar (ENGRG 1050) section weekly throughout the fall semester (50 minutes per week).
  • Assist the ENGRG 1050 instructor in planning sessions and coordinating speakers and on-campus field trips. Some may be pre-scheduled; others will not be so that you can plan according to your sections’ interests.
  • Occasionally present topics in class and facilitate ice breakers.
  • Attend general Peer Advisor meetings when offered (there are usually no more than one or two a semester, aside from training).
  • Promote and attend Peer Advisor hosted socials for new students (usually two or three during the fall semester).
  • Record worked hours on a weekly basis for payroll.

Please Note: Peer Advisors are paid but do not receive academic credit.

For more information on becoming a Peer Advisor and obtaining the application materials, contact the Engineering Advising Office at adv_engineering@cornell.edu.

Meet Your Peer Advisors

We encourage first-year students to find out more about their Peer Advisors in their fall ENGRG 1050 Engineering Seminar. If you are unsure about how to approach your Peer Advisor or what questions they might be able to help with, feel free to refer to the following list as a place to start the conversation!

  • What do you enjoy most about your major?
  • How did you decide to select your major?
  • Which classes have you liked the most in your major?
  • Did you have any major classes that you didn’t like, but you still enjoy your major?
  • Which electives have you taken and why?
  • How did you decide which liberal studies courses to take?
  • Have you completed any internships, co-op, or research? How did you find the opportunity?
  • Are you involved with any project teams?
  • Do you know anyone who is involved with (fill in the blank)?
  • What are your plans after you graduate?
  • Where’s the best place to study?
  • Do you have any study tips for a certain class or subject?