Peer Advisor Training

Peer Advisor Training

Academic Advising Enrichment (AAE) provides a central training program for new peer advisors beginning in their jobs. The training model was developed to meet the needs of many units across campus in an accessible format. Overall, peer advisor training consists of 1) online Canvas training, 2) in-person relational training, and 3) unit-specific training that is handled independently by units/supervisors. AAE administers the Canvas training and the relational training to equip new peer advisors with a standardized foundation of skills and knowledge from which to build upon.

Peer Advisor Training

In preparation for new peer advisors to participate in the centralized components of this training, supervisors must understand the role they play in a peer advisor's training and success. Each supervisor must read the expectations set forth about the supervisor role and must submit a request to access Canvas in order to add new peer advisors to the training. All new academic peer advisors (those employed via academic college or major department) who fully complete the Canvas modules and the relational training will be eligible to receive a $300 stipend.

Review the SUPERVISOR ROLE
Request CANVAS ACCESS

FAQs

What are the components of the training?
Peer advisor training consists of three parts: (1) Canvas Module Training, (2) Relational Training, and (3) Unit-Specific Training. While Academic Advising Enrichment administers Canvas Module Training and Relational Training to peer advisors campus-wide, supervisors must engage along the way; supervisors are solely responsible for Unit-Specific Training.
What content exists in the Canvas Module Training?
Canvas is where peer advisors will learn about concepts that pertain to advising UC Davis students. This is the informational foundation from which further training builds. The modules are:
Role and Scope of the Academic Peer Advisor
Supporting UC Davis Students
Campus Resources
Advising Tools
Anatomy of an Undergraduate Degree
Campus Compliance
What should I expect for the In-Person Relational Training?
This in-person training occurs before the start of Fall Quarter. This training includes a review of concepts learned through Canvas and covers important relational aspects of advising: communication, our diverse community, and dealing with difficult circumstances. Peer advisors will have an opportunity to practice concepts learned via scenario consideration and role play. Academic advisors deliver most of the training content. Supervisors are encouraged to attend.
What are expectations for Unit-Specific Training?
As the supervisor, you decide what preliminary or subsequent training is needed for your peer advisor(s) to succeed in the job.
What is the incentive for peers to complete the training?
Every academic peer advisor (within academic college/department) who completes the modules and the relational training is eligible to receive a $300 stipend from Academic Advising Enrichment. We recommend that all other units directly compensate peer advisors by the hour for training components.
Is this program for new peers or returning peers?
This is a program intended for new peer advisors only. Returning peers can still have access to the training materials; however, the stipend only applies to new academic peer advisors beginning in fall.
What if my peer advisor is not available for the relational training?
Peer advisors who cannot complete the relational training session will not be eligible for the stipend. We recommend they still engage in the module training (Canvas) with some form of follow up within your unit to gain relational and interactive experience.
What is the timeline?
Canvas access typically opens in April/May, relational training occurs before the start of the academic year, and unit training is done at the discretion of the supervisor.
What if my peers are hired outside of the timeline?
Peer advisors can still go through the Canvas training under the guidance of their supervisor. They will not be able to go through the relational training and thus will not be eligible for a stipend. We recommend that units directly compensate peer advisors by the hour for training components.
Who can I contact with questions?
Contact Nicole Wood with any further questions.