The Peer Advising Program, housed in the Academic Advising Center, is an advising initiative in the College of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies. Developed in 2010, the Peer Advising Program is integral in supporting the experience of first-year and transfer students at Lesley. Peer Advisors serve students in many important ways: campus leaders, role models, academic resources, and mentors. They provide the perspectives of experienced undergraduate students at Lesley and assist freshman and first-semester transfer students to make the transition to Lesley University by sharing their strategies for academic success, knowledge of campus resources, and understanding of the academic advising process.
Peer Advisors: 2012-2013 Cohort
Peer Advisors are supervised by the professional advising staff in the Academic Advising Center and provide support and assistance to students during pre-registration advising periods, add/drop periods, pre-advising workshops, and new student orientation sessions held during the summer and in January. To accommodate different student populations and the complexity of their schedules (e.g., commuters, resident students, etc.), the pre-advising workshops are scheduled at various times (afternoon and evening) and locations (Doble Campus, Porter Campus, Brattle Campus, residence halls, the Student Center). Additionally, Peer Advisors serve as peer mentors and course assistants in the Transitions Seminar course, a required one credit course for entering freshmen. Peer Advisors are recruited from among Lesley’s rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, trained by the Academic Advising Center staff, and mentored by a senior peer advisor. Peer Advisors engage in ongoing trainings throughout the academic year. They are fully trained to maintain student confidentiality and privacy. To ensure quality peer advising, Peer Advisors undergo an evaluation process that occurs mid-year and at the end of the academic year.
Team Building Activity: Interconnected Web
The Peer Advising Program Mission
The Peer Advising Program is committed to serving the Lesley University Community by promoting a climate of academic excellence and success. In their roles, the Peer Advisors support students in their transition to the Lesley campus, raise student awareness of academic policies and procedures, increase student knowledge about choices in the curriculum, and help students understand the importance of utilizing academic resources. The Program recognizes and appreciates the richness of Lesley's diversity as an institution, demonstrating its respect for student mentorship that underscores the purpose and goals of peer advising.
The Peer Advising Program is coordinated by Diep H. Luu, Assistant Director of Academic Advising, and Michael Lambert, Professional Academic Advisor, in the LA&PS Academic Advising Center. For more information about the Peer Advising Program, please email lcpeeradvising@lesley.edu or call 617.349.8915.
Student Testimonials on Their Advising Experiences with Peer Advisors
“It was helpful to have someone sit down and go over your schedule with you before you had your advising meeting.”
“Fun, easy, informative”
“It was great. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful”
“It was very helpful because it put less stress off of me since it is my first semester of college. They were very encouraging and supportive throughout the process.”
Peer Advisors’ Testimonials on their Experiences in the Program
“I like being a part of something that gives back to the community. When I was a freshman I had an amazing advisor and I only hope that I can do a tenth of what he did for me for the students who come into the office for my help.” - Chelsea Reuther, Class of 2015
“During my peer advising experience, I have learned a lot about the other majors at Lesley that I did not know. I have also learned how possible it is for students to branch out at Lesley and wish I had done so when I had the chance. I hope to help other students take the opportunity.” - Krystal Dee, Class of 2013
“I like having a different perspective on how students make their schedule. It also allows me to be able to see the way students struggle with time management and allow me to offer my skills to them so they will have a less difficult time next time.” - Caitlyn DeCarlo, Class of 2015
Faculty Spotlight
Claire A. Carroll
Study Abroad Director
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