Developing leaders: implementation of a peer advising program for a public health sciences undergraduate program

Area of Science:

• Public Health Education
• Higher Education Administration

Background:

• The Public Health Sciences major at UMass Amherst experienced rapid growth, necessitating a robust advising system.
• A peer advising program was established in 2009 to meet the increasing advising demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the undergraduate peer advising model in Public Health Sciences.
• To identify the benefits and challenges of the peer advising program.
• To understand the experiences of students utilizing the Peer Advising Center.

Main Methods:

• Data collected from archival records of the Peer Advising Center.
• Feedback gathered from peer advisors (PAs) completing a year-long internship.
• Surveys administered to students who utilized the Peer Advising Center.

Main Results:

• Peer advisors gain valuable leadership and communication skills applicable to their professional careers.
• The program effectively engages students and fosters a sense of community within the major.
• Preliminary evaluation indicates significant benefits for both peer advisors and students seeking guidance.

Conclusions:

• The peer advising model is effective in providing curriculum and career guidance.
• The program contributes to the personal and professional development of peer advisors.
• Peer advising enhances student success and builds a stronger academic community.