document iconmyCSUSM
cougar courses logoCOUGAR COURSES
email iconEMAIL
email iconMS OFFICE APPS
password iconPASSWORD
MANAGEMENT
Your  Account:
document iconmyCSUSM
cougar courses logoCOUGAR COURSES
email iconEMAIL
office iconMS OFFICE APPS
password iconPASSWORD
MANAGEMENT
Office of Academic Advising

Become a Peer Advisor

The Peer Advisor serves as a student leader within the Office of Academic Advising, supporting student success through peer-to-peer guidance, education, and resource connection. Peer Advisors help fellow Cougars navigate academic planning tools, university processes, and campus resources while creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment. Through these interactions, Peer Advisors empower students to build confidence, make informed decisions, and successfully navigate their academic journey.

How to Apply:

  1. Review the Peer Advisor Position Description
  2. Apply and submit the following through Handshake:
    • Resume
    • Cover Letter
    • Student Application (upload and submit under Transcripts)
    • Supplemental Questions (upload and submit under Other Documents)
      • Why are you interested in being a Peer Advisor?
      • What do you hope to gain from the Peer Advising experience?
      • List your available work hours for Fall 2026.

Presentation Criteria:

A 5-10 minutes presentation is required during the interview process. Facilitate a presentation on one of the following campus policies.

Topic examples:

  • Academic Notice and Disqualification and Reinstatement
  • Components of Graduation Requirements
  • Course Repeats & Grade Forgiveness Policy
  • Course Withdrawal Policy
  • How to Enroll in Courses (Degree Planner, Schedule Assistant)
  • How to use Academic Requirements Report (ARR), Test and Transfer Credit, Course Substitutions
After a thorough definition and examples, include:
 
  1. How do you see yourself implementing and sharing this information with fellow students in the Peer Advisor role.
  2. What is your communication style?
  3. What would be important to relay so the student feels informed and understood?

See the campus catalog for assistance.

Tips:

  • If you have questions about the position, feel free to email peeradvising@csusm.edu to schedule an Informational Interview.
  • You are welcomed and encouraged to use the Career Center services to help with your resume, cover letter, interview skills, etc. as you apply.

Important Dates:

  • Application Deadline:
    July 26 at 11:59 PM
  • Interviews:
    Week of August 3
  • Start Date:
    August 17 or later

Important Note: The Office of Academic Advising is operating in person, Monday - Friday from 8am-5pm.

Kaylee

"Becoming a peer advisor has given me a variety of incredible professional tools. I am able to provide students with answers to their questions and help guide their academic plan. I am able to make a difference in the new student experience with outreach programs. I also created great new relationships with my fellow peer advisors, faculty, and staff."  

–Kaylee Crivello