PA Application Information
How to Apply
THE 2021 PA APP IS NOW CLOSED! 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: 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 25. No late applications are accepted.
- Interview Process: Applicants are notified on February 5 of their application status, noting if 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 13.
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.
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 below sessions.
Application
**The application is now closed
The application collects basic information; below are application items that require a some additional work ahead of time so you can then easily plug them in once you begin filling out the application form.
Essay Questions
- Why is the Peer Adviser position important to the new student experience at Northwestern? (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 takes 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 prepares you for the Peer Adviser role. (Max. 500 words)
We encourage you to save a word document with your responses.
Video Submission
Upload a video (45-60 seconds in length) that helps to answer: Why would I make a great PA? The video should provide application reviewers an opportunity to see your personality and what you would bring to the role.
- Upload your recorded video to YouTube
- When selecting the "Visibility," please select "Unlisted."
- Do NOT select "Private" as it will not allow your reviewer to access your video
- The application will ask for the URL to your "Unlisted" YouTube video
Providing Interview Availability
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 select 4 available interview times within the application; we ask that you block those 4 times off in your calendar until you receive notification email as no interview assignment changes can be made. Interview times will be listed in the application and on our website.
Interview Process
Applicants selected to continue will participate in our virtual interview process.
The PA interview process includes two group activities and an individual interview. You will be asked to select 4 times from the list below that you are available for while completing your Peer Adviser Application. 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.
Selection
Applicants who participate in the interview process will receive a final notification.
PA Position Restrictions
- Those who serve as a Resident Assistant (RA), as a counselor of a summer academic program that occurs in September (ie SAW, Bridge, SLI), or a Family Ambassador are not able to serve as a PA.
- Applicants for the RA position are notified after PA notifications. Applying for the RA position does not impact the PA selection process. NSE will be in contact with any applicants who are extended the PA role and also in the RA process to discuss next steps.
- If you plan to study abroad or be away from campus for fall 2021, you are not able to fulfill the PA role.
- If you are a McCormick student planning to be off-campus during winter 2022, you are not able to fulfill the PA role due to the PRDV seminar facilitated by McCormick PAs.
- If you are planning to live in a residence hall in 2021-2022, you will be allowed to move in early. If you are a member of a fraternity/sorority planning to live in the house for fall 2021 it is your responsibility to secure early move-in approval from your house as soon as possible. If you are not able to move in early, it is your responsibility to find alternate early move-in housing. NSE will not be able to provide early housing for any PA not living in a residence hall or residential college.
- 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, etc.
- New Student Experience staff must follow a strict alcohol policy to ensure focus is kept on the transition and well-being of the new students rather than social events.