By Melissa Stoner
Peer Advisor

If you’re looking for a way to make a difference around Berklee, think about becoming a Peer Advisor. Do you remember the experience of first coming here? Excitement, chaos, anxiety, inspiration, fun, homesickness, whip-lash from all that running around… the list goes on! You most likely encountered issues you had no idea how to handle. The First-Year Student Advising Program (FYSAP) was created to help students transition to life at Berklee and in Boston by grouping entering students with both a Peer Advisor and a faculty/staff advisor. Beginning on a new path is one of the most amazing and important times in a person’s life, and the FYSAP team wants to make sure that the transition to Berklee is not only smooth but a positive experience as well. As a Peer Advisor, you can make a difference by aiding in that transition through guidance, shared experiences, and a lot of good times.

The FYSAP program, created in the spring of 2007, has made a measurable positive impact on entering students’ experiences. In a recent survey, 94% of entering students expressed some degree of anxiety before coming to Berklee, and 91% reported that they found their Peer Advisor helpful. The FYSAP program has been recognized by the President of the college, staff, faculty and fellow students as a positive and meaningful program.

So, what is Peer Advising really like? It’s fun, inspiring, educational, challenging, energizing, mind-opening, gratifying, and simply awesome! As a Peer Advisor, you will have the chance to provide guidance and support to a group of entering students. This position involves intensive leadership training, adding a new level to advisors’ resumes. Candidates must have a minimum of 2.8 GPA and be in good academic standing with at least two semesters completed at Berklee. Strong organizational and social skills are also required, and all ages are encouraged to apply. Peer Advisors work directly with the FYSAP office and are engaged in various activities throughout the semester. Meetings with advisees during the semester can range from coffee breaks to trips around town and everything in between. Applicants will be selected through an application and interview process. If selected, advisors will be required to attend a training session on April 24, 2010.

If you’re interested in becoming a Peer Advisor, look for our application online. The deadline to apply is March 22, 2010. Have questions? Stop by our FYSAP info sessions on Thursday, March 4 from 12:00-3pm in the Steve Heck Room. The FYSAP team will also be available from 12-2pm, Monday March 1 through Friday, March 5 in the Cafeteria. We look forward to seeing you there!