PA Application Information
2022 Peer Adviser applications are now closed!
How to Apply
We are excited you are considering applying to be a 2022 Peer Adviser. Before you begin your application, please make sure you have reviewed the position information and important dates and have attended one info session (required for applicants).
The Process Overview
- Required Info Session: All Info Sessions will be held virtually via Zoom. Applicants are required to attend an Info Session in order for their application to be considered complete. It is encouraged not to submit your application prior to attending an Info Session.
- Application: The application must be fully completed by 11:59 pm. CST on Monday, January 24. No late applications are accepted.
- Interview Process: Applicants are notified on February 4 noting whether or not they are moving forward to the interview phase. If moving forward, the notification will include their assigned interview day and time based on availability provided in the application. The assigned day and time cannot be changed.
- Selection: Applicants are notified by 5 p.m. CST on Friday, March 11.
Required Info Session
We encourage you to attend an Info Session if you want to just learn a bit more about what this PA thing is all about. However, attending one Info Session is required for applicants. Each hyperlink below will add that Info Session to your calendar and include the Zoom Link needed to access the info session
- Tuesday, January 11, 2022 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Click here to add this Info Session to your calendar
- Wednesday, January 12, 2022 from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Click here to add this Info Session to your Calendar
- Friday, January 14, 2022 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. - Students of Color Info Session* Click here to add this Info Session to your calendar
- Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Click here to add this Info Session to your calendar
- Friday, January 21, 2022 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Click here to add this Info Session to your calendar
- Sunday, January 23, 2022 from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Click here to add this Info Session to your calendar
*Students of Color PA Info Session: This Info Session is open only to interested applicants who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color (BIPOC). BIPOC interested applicants are welcome to attend any info session above that works best with their schedule.
Info Session for Past PAs
If you previously served as a Peer Adviser, you will attend an Info Session for Past PAs rather than one of the sessions above. Applicants who have previously served as a PA are required to attend one of the sessions below.
- Thursday, January 13, 2022 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Click here to add this Info Session to your calendar
- Wednesday, January 19, 2022 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Click here to add this Info Session to your calendar
Application
The application collects basic information; below are application items that require some additional work ahead of time so you can then easily plug them in once you begin filling out the application form.
2022 Peer Adviser Applications are now closed
Essay Questions
- Introduce yourself to us. Why do you want to be a PA? (Max. 250 words)
- What are 2 characteristics important for a Peer Adviser to possess and why? (Max. 250 words)
- What are 3 pieces of advice that you believe would be most impactful to give to your group of new students as their Peer Adviser? (Max. 500 words)
- Peer Advisers participate in trainings that encourage self-reflection across many topics, including your identities, first year transition, and facilitating across difference. This self-reflection and learning take place effectively when all members of the group are willing to engage and listen actively. Reflect on a time you engaged with a person or a group who you did not share many identities, beliefs, or experiences with. Please include what was challenging, what you learned about yourself, and how this experience directly connects to the Peer Adviser role. (Max. 500 words)
Providing Interview Availability
You will be asked to select 4 times from the list below that you are available for while completing your Peer Adviser Application.
- Friday, February 11, 2022, from 4:00-6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, February 12, 2022, from 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Saturday, February 12, 2022, from 3:00-5:30 p.m.
- Sunday, February 13, 2022, from 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Sunday, February 13, 2022, from 3:00-5:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 15, 2022, from 6:00-8:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 16, 2022, from 6:00-8:30 p.m.
- Thursday, February 17, 2022, from 6:00-8:30 p.m.
- Friday, February 18, 2022, from 6:00-8:30 p.m.
- Saturday, February 19, 2022, from 1:00-3:30 p.m.
Notifications will note if an applicant is moving to the Interview process. If so, interview date assignments are based on what is provided within the application. Applicants we ask that you block off the 4 interview times you select in your calendar until you receive notification email; no interview assignment changes can be made.
Interview Process
Applicants selected to continue will participate in our interview process.
The PA interview process includes two group activities and an individual interview. If chosen to participate in an interview, you will be assigned to one of the 4 times you select. Interviews last the full time period.
Please ensure that you are available for all 4 times selected and that you remain available for those times until you are notified. No interview assignment changes can be made.
Looking for additional information to help you prepare for your interview? Visit the Northwestern Career Advancement Interviewing webpage.
Selection
Applicants who participate in the interview process will receive a final notification by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 11.
PA Position Restrictions
- Other Student Leadership Positions. You are unable to serve as a PA and any of the positions below:
- Resident Assistant (RA)
- The RA and PA selection process occurs simultaneously; applying for one position does not disqualify you from the other. The Office of Student Transition Experiences (OSTE) will be in contact with any applicants who are extended an offer the PA role and in the RA process to discuss next steps.
- Counselor for BRIDGE, Summer Academic Workshop (SAW), or another program occurring in September
- Family Ambassador (FA)
- Marching Band, Spirit Squad, Cheerleading, or student athlete on a team with practice or games in September (during PA Camp and Wildcat Welcome).
- Resident Assistant (RA)
- Study Abroad. If you plan to study abroad or be away from campus during Spring 2022 or Fall 2022, you are not able to fulfill the PA role.
- McCormick Students. McCormick students (non-transfer students) are additionally required to be on-campus for Winter 2023 to continue facilitating their PRDV seminar.
- September Early Move in. OSTE organizes early move in for PA Camp participation in September for students living in a residence hall for Fall 2022. OSTE is unable to guarantee early move for students living in a fraternity/sorority facility or in an off-campus apartment. These students will be responsible to work with their house director or landlord to arrange a move time that allows them to participate in PA Camp. Due to housing capacities, OSTE is unable to provide short-term on-campus arrangements to these students.
- Non-PA Responsibilities during Wildcat Welcome. Peer Advisers must have no other duties or activities during Wildcat. Welcome other than those of the PA nor are they allowed to recruit for other student organizations. This includes activities occurring during Wildcat Welcome such as A Cappella Fest, Rhythm Nation, Rock the Lake, etc.