Peer Academic Advisor Program

Overview Statement

Peer Academic Advisors (PAAs) are current public policy students who assist undergraduate students with academic advising, registration, course planning, and navigating advising resources. Along with student advising, PAAs create workshops, provide mentorship, and knowledge of campus resources. PAAs are here to create strong advising relationships in which we can create opportunities for students to grow, gain success, and achieve their educational goals.

Why Meet with a Peer Academic Advisor?

Peer Academic Advisors are professionally trained by the School of Public Policy Student Affairs team to provide academic and professional guidance for students to achieve their educational plans.

To contact the PAAs please email:

spp-advising@ucr.edu

Student Affairs Website

For SPP Students

Benefits of Being a Peer Academic Advisor
- Extensive training on UCR policies, regulations and procedures, SPP policies, student services and academic resources.
- Gain paraprofessional academic advising experience.
- Personal branding, leadership, and management development opportunities.
- Qualifies for the PBPL 198i Policy Practicum requirement.
- Public speaking development opportunities (i.e. emceeing, presenting, impromptu speaking, etc.).
- Opportunities to learn from and interact with policy professionals (i.e. via staffing of policy makers, practitioners, researchers).
- Receiving branded gear exclusive to Peer Academic Advisors
Qualifications
- Current SPP student with at least 2 quarters in the SPP major.
- Undergraduate student in good academic standing, minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA.
- Must be willing to attend occasional evening or weekend meetings or events.
- Commitment required for Spring 2025 - Spring 2026

Peer Academic Advisor Testimonials

"The most rewarding aspect of being a PAA has been connecting with my fellow peers. I have been fortunate enough to meet with a majority of my peers to assist them in their academic pursuits. It has been quite meaningful to have a part in my peer's growth as public policy students and provide resources to our community."

Sean Nguyen, BA '23

Former Peer Academic Advisor

"My experience as one of the first PAA's was impactful. As a PAA, you wear many hats- you're a friend, a professional, a peer academic advisor, but most importantly, you are a student! You get to provide amazing resources through advising, course planning, and mentorship all while maintaining that student to student relationship. It can be very intimidating going to talk to your academic advisor on what changes you want to make or where you see your degree going in the next couple of years. That was the most rewarding to me; being able to create that strong relationship for students to succeed and achieve their goals."

Yoli Aguilar Candelario, MPP '22

Former Peer Academic Advisor

Questions

For questions about the peer advisor program, please contact the spp-advising@ucr.edu.