Honors Peer Academic Advisor Job Description

Honors PAAs hold office hours and advise both prospective and currently enrolled CHP students about UCI, the Honors Program, and various campus resources. They are somewhat different from other PAAs on campus because they also work/coordinate with CHP staff and student leaders on various extracurricular programs and activities (for example, quarterly Faculty Coffee Hours, events planned in the honors housing facilities or by the Campuswide Honors Student Council (CHSC), Honors Experience Day, Celebrate UCI, and some social/cultural events). They have a substantial role in the orientation of new CHP freshmen, specifically through their mandatory group meetings during Welcome Week. They facilitate communication with other students as well, and focus on developing student-faculty interactions, in particular. Together with the Honors Advisors and CHP staff, Honors PAAs help create and develop the close-knit community that is an essential part of the Campuswide Honors Program at UC Irvine.

Responsibilities:

• Provide information to CHP students regarding campus resources and support services; also provide general information about majors and general education (GE) requirements, curriculum policies and procedures, graduation and preparing for postgraduate study or jobs, and other campus honors opportunities. Provide counseling in matters such as course selection, schedule planning, honors curriculum and program policies, the petition process, the research and thesis process, and other related honors issues. Advise prospective applicants to the CHP regarding the requirements and procedures for admission, benefits, and graduation requirements.
• Develop, coordinate and implement student/faculty interactions and other academically-oriented events (i.e. workshops, Faculty Coffee Hours, and special advising programs). Work with Honors staff and other CHP student leaders (through CHSC and honors housing) to provide a range of social, cultural, and extracurricular events for all CHP students. Attend CHSC meetings on a regular basis and be an involved member of the CHP community.
• Provide consultation and assistance to various campus organizations that require information about honors students and/or the Honors Program (orientation/recruitment and student panels).
• Serve as a liaison between administrative personnel, faculty, and honors students in resolving advising concerns or problems; refer students as needed. Convey honors student concerns/issues to CHP staff, as appropriate.

• Participate in all training seminars prior to employment (general and “in unit,” as outlined in this application).

• As a member of the Academic Advisory Committee (AAC), meet regularly with other campus PAAs to make recommendations for advising improvement, discuss advising problems and concerns, and receive further training as needed; also participate with other PAAs in events such as campus advising events, Explore UCI, and Wayzgoose/Celebrate UCI.
• Assist in planning and executing special projects/events (such as PROFRO, Honors Experience Day, beach bonfires, and the annual camping retreat). Evaluate and write up feedback after completion of each event.

• Current student in good standing with the CHP, with a minimum GPA of 3.2
• As of Fall 2010, be at least third year status(as defined by year in school, not by units completed).
• Must intend to hold the Honors Peer Academic Advising position for the full academic year (2010-2011)
• Have clearly demonstrated leadership skills and experience in developing/coordinating academic/extra-curricular programs.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop supportive interactions with other students, both one-on-one and within groups.
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team-oriented environment
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously

• Students who have completed/will complete all honors course sequences required by the CHP
• Computer experience: Microsoft Word, Excel, Microsoft Access or some other database program; desktop publishing/experience creating flyers/newsletters

• Experience in paraprofessional counseling and speaking, on an individual and group basis.
• Referral skills and cooperative working skills with University staff members.
• Increased awareness of University services and academic program operations.
• Enhancement of leadership and organization skills

• Spring 2010: Thursdays, 5-7 p.m. plus additional hours (to be determined) to be spent shadowing current Honors PAAs in the Honors Office, planning the CHP Spring BBQ, being on the Celebrate UCI Honors Information Panel (Saturday, April 17, 2010), and helping current Honors PAAs plan Spring Faculty Coffee Hours
• September 13-16: Additional training in the Honors Office* (12-15 hours during the week before Welcome Week)
• September 17:General PAA Refresher course on the Friday before Welcome Week.

• Early-Mid August, 2010: At least one of the Honors PAAs MUST be available to work in the Honors Office to:
  • Schedule all of the Freshman Meetings
  • Prepare insert for CHP August Mailing
  • Develop flyer for CHP Fall Bonfire
  • Other tasks as needed
  (NOTE: If not available to come to campus in person, MUST be “contactable” in some way during this time)
• September 13-16: Besides additional training (12-15 hours) in the Honors Office, Honors PAAs will also help prepare and finalize plans for Welcome Week events and early fall activities
• During Welcome Week: 20 hours, including freshmen meetings and all CHP New Student Orientation Programs
• During Academic Year: 10 hours/week, including participation in all Academic Advisory Committee (AAC) meetings (currently held every even week of each quarter, on Wednesdays from 5-6 p.m.), and other campus PAA activities throughout the year. Also includes other required meetings, such as the bi-weekly CHSC meetings and meetings with the Honors Advisors.
• Help with campus-wide events during the year, such as Celebrate UCI and Explore UCI.

We strongly encourage you to contact a current Honors PAA at (949) 824-8409/chp-paa@uci.edu, if you have questions or are unsure what this position entails. For additional information, you may also contact either Jeff Fulkerson or Mary Gillis, Honors Advisor, (949) 824-5461.