You are here: American University College of Arts & Sciences Student Advising & Resources Peer Advisors

Back to top

Peer Advisors

Frank Bannon, Evelyn Gutierrez, Lileia Olson, and Kai Feingold in front of Battelle-Tompkins building

The CAS Peer Advising Program facilitates the college transition process to create academically successful undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Book an appointment online:
You Can Book Me

Who We Are

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) peer advisors are continuing CAS undergraduates who work primarily with first year, second year, and undecided students. They are chosen from a select group of students and complete a rigorous interview and training process. Peer advisors help students pick classes and majors that suit their interests, provide information on academic policies and procedures, and make appropriate referrals to campus resources. They also provide advising based on their experiences as students at AU. In addition to their advising duties, hold various on campus advising events and assist in registration workshops. In the advising office, CAS peer advisors serve as an additional unit of academic support for all CAS undergraduates in the Academic Advising Office. 

Frank Baning

Frank Baning Jr.  Public Health BS, 2027

Frank is a Senior from Buckingham, England. He is majoring in the BS in Public Health on the pre-med track. He is is the 3-year Public Health Scholars program, where he volunteers with Thrive DC. Outside of his academics, Frank is involved with the AU Men's Club Soccer team as a Social Chair, so look out for Instagram posts! Frank spends most of his time at the Bridge studying or in the office reading a book!

Kai Feingold

Kai Feingold Psychology, 2028

Kai is a Junior from Weston, Massachusetts, studying Psychology with a Spanish minor. In addition to peer advising, Kai tutors AU student athletes in Psychology coursework, and serves as president of AU Club Tennis for the 26-27 academic year. In their free time Kai enjoys spending time with friends, playing tennis and exploring DC. 

Evelyn Gutierrez

Evelyn Gutierrez
Biology, 2029

Evelyn is a sophomore from Marlborough, Connecticut., majoring in Biology with a minor in Statistics. She is an active member of Wonk Trade, a clothing trading center on campus, and currently serves as President of the organization. Outside of campus, Evelyn works at Trader Joe’s in Glover Park where she does a little bit of everything. You can find her exploring the city, running, baking/cooking with friends, and binge watching lots of shows. 
 

Lileia Olson

Lileia Olson
Statistics, 2027

Lileia is a senior from Minneapolis, Minnesota, majoring in Statistics with minors in Marketing and Business and Entertainment. She is an active member of her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, serving on the executive board and collaborating with the Panhellenic Council. She spends time finding study spots, typically catching up with friends in the Bridge. Outside of school, she enjoys any concert, crafting, reading, exploring DC, and spending time outdoors.

Why See a Peer Advisor?

Peer advisors can provide academic information from their own student perspective. They advise students on the "real deal" when it comes to choosing classes, picking a major, and utilizing campus resources. They share the lessons they have learned as AU students. Because peers are highly trained on advising material, they are a valuable academic resource.

According to Koring, Campbell, et al,* peer advisors serve six purposes:

  • Help new students transition to the university
  • Help advisee master basic academic processes
  • Teach and reinforce student skills for success (i.e. time management, study skills, etc)
  • Act as referral source
  • Offer a different but complementary point of view from staff or faculty advisors' perspectives
  • Serve as role models for successful students

Common Questions for Peer Advisors

  • What classes should I take next semester?
  • How many general education courses/AU Core do I still need to take?
  • I need help choosing a major. What are some helpful resources?
  • How did you choose the major you are pursuing?
  • What courses should an undecided student take?
  • Generally, peer advisors can assist most students with questions about course registration, general education courses, waitlist procedures, choosing a major, and campus resources.

What Students Are Saying

"I loved meeting with my peer advisor. She was extremely helpful and understanding of my questions and provided in depth and helpful responses."

"The peer advising program was very helpful for me. I was feeling very alone/lost/unsure, but chatting with my peer advisor assured me I was on the right track."

"[My Peer Advisor] was great and so helpful! I definitely look to her as a resource for CAS specific questions as well as any AU questions in general!"

"This resource should really be praised! The informal setting and meeting with your peers is the perfect place for students to let down their guard and get help and learn new things. The peer advisors are so kind and considerate and I can't wait to go back!" *H. Koring and S. Campbell, Peer Advising: Intentional Connections to Support Student Learning, The National Advising Association, 2005.