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Peer Advisors

Isabella Brooke & Sarah Ailor.

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

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Who We Are

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) peer advisors are continuing CAS undergraduates who work primarily with 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.

Isabella Brooke

Isabella Brooke History, 2024


Isabella is a senior at AU majoring in History and minoring in International Studies. She is also a member of the AU Honors Program and a TA for an honors sophomore research course and a part of the CAS LEAD program. As an extracurricular on campus, Isabella is the President of the AU Body Neutrality Coalition and has also worked with Sunrise AU and different climate‐based organizations on campus. Outside of school, you can find Isabella drinking iced lattes with friends. Her biggest passion is traveling around the world and meeting new people! She loves concerts, reading, pop culture, and trying new cafes and restaurants across DC. Isabella speaks French and hopes to continue traveling after graduation and work in social work and human rights.

 

Sarah Ailor.

Sarah Ailor Psych, PR & StratComm, 2025


Sarah Ailor is a junior from Richmond, VA double majoring in Psychology & Public Relations and Strategic Communication. Sarah is the Communications Director for AU’s Psychology Club, is also a member of the AU Outdoor Club and enjoys working at the swim school on campus. Additionally, Sarah works on campus in the CAS Advising Office as an Advising Assistant. In her free time, Sarah enjoys finding the best coffee on campus, attending AU sports games, and has recently started playing guitar.

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.