Effective Fall 2025, DGS will become the Division of Exploratory Studies. Same mission; new name.
DGS Summer Peer Advisors
Are you a passionate and driven undergraduate student at the University of Illinois looking to make a positive impact on your campus community? The Division of General Studies (DGS) hires Summer Peer Advisors to assist with our New Student Registration program each year.
As a DGS Summer Peer Advisor, you'll embark on a journey to shape the academic experiences of incoming first-year and transfer students. You will collaborate closely with DGS advisors and administrators, gain valuable knowledge, and play a pivotal role in guiding approximately 1,000 new students through their first semester of college.
What will you do as a DGS Peer Advisor?
- Learn about the academic advising profession as an integral part of New Student Registration.
- Collaborate with DGS academic advisors, administrators, and campus partners.
- Serve as a point person for new students, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment.
- Facilitate morning small group meetings for DGS students during New Student Registration.
- Assist new students with course registration, ensuring a smooth transition to college life.
Required Qualifications:
- Be a team player with excellent collaboration skills.
- Showcase outstanding presentation abilities.
- Demonstrate independent problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Maintain good academic standing at the University of Illinois.
- Possess knowledge of the course explorer website and self-service.
- Be a current Illinois student.
Previous Peer Advisor Experiences
Being a Peer Advisor with DGS was such an amazing and rewarding experience for me. Through this position I was able to gain experience in mentoring, public speaking, group facilitation, and familiarity working in a professional setting. On top of that I got to work with an amazing and supportive team, forming friendships that have lasted to this day. I can’t recommend this position enough!
–Rachael (Summer 2022 & 2023)
This experience has been instrumental in helping me clarify my career aspirations post-graduation. The positive and supportive atmosphere within the DGS advising team fostered personal growth and meaningful connections, allowing me not only to discover my strengths but also to form lasting friendships.
–Maxine (Summer 2023)
I really liked being a peer advisor because I got to pass down knowledge to students who are in the same shoes I was in just a couple years prior. I also got to provide a more comfortable experience in registering for classes, which is one of the most stressful times as a new student. I recommend the job to others who want to aid incoming students and who enjoy working in a collaborative environment.
–Angela (Summer 2023)
Interested?
Take the first step towards shaping the future of your fellow students!
The application for Summer 2024 has closed, but don't worry! DGS hires Peer Advisors each summer.
Interested in getting involved with DGS during the school year? Check out our Ambassador Program!
Questions?
Reach out to DGS Coordinator for Recruitment and Admissions, Sierra Hollenbeck, at sholl14@illinois.edu.