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BECOMING A PEER ADVISOR
You don’t have to discover your destiny alone! Peer advisors are students who help other students. We can understand the challenges you may face or have faced, and we are dedicated to helping you discover what Dixie State College can offer you. You may not know where you are headed or you may know what area of study you want to pursue - either way we will be here to help you along your path. You are not alone on the DSC campus. From the high school student to the adult student, we want to help you with:
- The transition from high school to college
- The unique challenges of being an adult and returning to or beginning college
As peer advisors, we want to make your transition to Dixie State College as easy as possible. Here are a few ways we can do that:
- Helping you through the application process
- Answering questions about degrees and other programs that are offered at DSC
- Helping you choose classes
- Helping you log into Student Services, e-mail and Blackboard Vista
- Helping you register for classes
- Helping you learn your way around the Web site
- Helping you find your way around campus
- Helping you find the right person to answer specific questions
- Making appointments for you with academic advisors
We will bring unique perspectives and experiences from our own transition into helping you with your transition. You are not alone; we are here to help you. Come see us in the Academic Advisement Center.
Peer advisors are DSC students that excel in their curriculum, are effective communicators, and students that understand the challenges of beginning college. Peer advisors have the desire and ability to help new students through the transition to DSC and are available to assist walk-in students in the Academic Advisement Center. Peer advisors have the knowledge of the general education requirements, pre-requisite information for certificates and degrees, and the knowledge to refer you to the proper advisor when you reach your major requirements. Peer advisors participate in freshman orientation throughout the summer and introduce incoming freshmen to the DSC campus. The peer advisors enjoy forming a connection that allows them to be available throughout the year.
A peer advisor position is an entry-level leadership role that enhances the student orientation sessions and acts as a liaison between advisors and students. Each peer advisor is assigned a group of students and is responsible for mentoring the students. Peer advisors are responsible for helping to make their group’s experience enjoyable, eventful and informative during orientation and follow up with students who need further assistance in the Academic Advisement Center.
Students interested in becoming a peer advisor should fill out a peer advisor application found at the bottom of this page.
To be considered for the peer advisor position a student must:
- Plan to be enrolled for fall and spring semesters.
- Be available on Mondays and Tuesdays starting the second week in May through the second week in August.
- Meet all qualifications indicated below.
- Be available to assist in the Academic Advisement Center.
The job criteria are as follows:
Qualifications
- Sophomore (30 or more credits)
- 3.0 GPA or above
- Matriculated in a degree seeking program
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work independently to accomplish projects
- Knowledge of DSC policies, registration and admissions procedures, and school relation information
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion when appropriate
- Ability to work with diverse student body, faculty and staff
Duties
- Assist students in choosing classes, setting up schedules, and registering for classes
- Take part in Freshman Orientation with multiple responsibilities
- Assist with early bird registration of high school seniors
- Answer phones, direct appointments and direct walk-in students to the appropriate advisor
- Maintain accurate scheduling for academic advisors
- Assist academic advisors when needed
- Assist other departments as needed to maintain the continuity of the registration and admissions procedures
LEAD PEER ADVISOR ROLE (In addition to the qualifications and duties above)
- Assist with training newly-hired peer advisors
- Assist with building peer advisors' schedules
- Participate in behind the scenes operations of the O&R process
- Stay current with new programs/degrees/policies/procedures
- Train peer advisors about new programs/degrees/policies/procedures
- Schedule peer advisement meetings
- Interface with department chairs and faculty
THEMATIC PEER ADVISORS ROLE (In addition to the qualifications and duties above)
- Assist students with schedules and the application/acceptance process to programs/AAS/Bachelor degrees.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT PEER ADVISOR ROLE (In addition to the qualifications and duties above)
- Build and maintain presentation equipment, prepare and check technical equipment, and troubleshoot when necessary.
TRANSFER PEER ADVISOR ROLE (In addition to the qualifications and duties above)
- Assist transfer students and read transcripts.
"I enjoy interacting with students and helping then in all possible ways. It’s a unique experience that I wouldn’t get anywhere else. A mother called to gather information concerning her son’s admission process to DSC. I followed up with her questions about tuition costs, financial aid, courses that he could enroll in and the orientation process for a new student. She expressed her appreciation and I felt of value in my role as a peer advisor." Landon Peterson
"Being a peer advisor allows me to share in the development of DSC. I enjoy helping new students find the area of study that fits their goals and helping them plan to reach those goals. Another rewarding aspect of being a peer advisor is when a student comes in confused or frustrated and leaves with a relaxed and positive attitude because I was there to help them with their situation.
At the beginning of this school year, I had a freshman student come in frustrated and ready to quit college. By talking with this student and developing a three-year plan, I was able to show the student their goal was not only possible, but extremely possible. Through encouragement this student is on his/her way to completing his/her goal. Seeing this student not only adjusting to but thriving on campus is an exciting and amazing part of my job as a peer advisor." Rae Reimer
"Peer Advisors have encouraged me to figure out the best path of my education. It is always a pleasant experience to work with the peer advisors at DSC. Everyone is always helpful!" Mistina Tupoukelemete
"Anytime I have a question I go into the Academic Advisement Center to see a peer advisor. I am always confident that the answers I receive are accurate, and that if my peer advisor does not know the answer, they will obtain the correct answer for me. Peer advisors have saved me a lot of valuable time and stress by being available to assist me." DeeAnn Shaw
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 My name is Kory Phelps. I am from Houston, Texas and I love Dixie State College. The peer advisor program has provided me with many wonderful leadership opportunities as well as the chance to give something back to my community and my college. What I enjoy most about being a peer advisor is helping students on their way toward academic success!
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 Hi, my name is Landon Peterson. I’m a senior in the integrated studies program, with my emphasis in communications and business. I came to Dixie because I love the weather, the size of the school and the fun atmosphere. I can help you set up your schedule, schedule appointments, and answer your questions. GO DIXIE!!!
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 Michelle Francom. I’m a 19 year old sophomore here at Dixie State College. I’m from Sandy, Utah and am an aspiring Graphic Designer. I was attracted to Dixie because of its inviting campus, quality instructors and the beautiful weather here in Saint George. I am a very eccentric person! I have always had a passion for art, design, fashion, and photography. I am an outgoing person, which makes being a peer advisor even more fun. I love interacting with fellow students and meeting new people. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my friends, hiking, swimming, painting, and flying kites.
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 Hello! I’m Travis Dunsmoor. I am a communications major with aspirations to attend law school in the near future. I am a transfer student from UNLV and when I started at Dixie, had only planned to attend for a single semester. Two years later, I am finishing my bachelor’s degree and will be proud to be a Dixie graduate. I have been a peer advisor for three semesters and I enjoy it very much. I like the people I work with as well as the students I get to serve!
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 Hi! I’m Esther Pugmire. I have been a student at Dixie State College since 2006 and I love it. I earned my Associate of Arts degree in December and I’m now studying psychology. I have always loved reading and learning new things. I am a returning student so I know how it feels to come back to college where most of my classmates are young enough to be my kids, which can be very intimidating. Overall it has been a rewarding experience. I love working in the Academic Advisement Center because I enjoy helping people and encouraging them in their academic pursuits.
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 Hey! My name is Kylee McArthur and I’m a junior, nursing major here at Dixie. I am a native of Saint George and love Dixie because of the great school traditions, people, weather and atmosphere. I enjoy being a peer advisor because it’s great to help fellow students get registered, organized and set for school.
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 Nathan Koeven. As a junior at Dixie State College I am pursuing a degree in business. I just love Dixie. Characterized by smaller class sizes, teachers who know your name and awesome weather, Dixie stands apart from other schools. As a peer advisor I love helping students! I am excited to help you discover what Dixie State College can help you accomplish!
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 Rae Reimer. I am a single mom of three children. I attend Dixie as a full time radiography student and have attained my Associates of Science here as well. I maintain a 3.9 GPA. Outside of school, I am a very active mom. My family goes hiking in Zion’s, camping at Sand Hollow, and our favorite past-time is kickball in the park. I am president of the Life-Long Learners club and have performed many service projects for the community in this capacity. Staying active on campus, through my position as a peer advisor and club member, has given me a sense of community and a support base that has helped me through the stressful and ecstatic times. Dixie State College campus is an interactive and close community that helps students succeed.
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 My name is Kirsti Blaney, and I grew up in South Jordan, Utah. I am currently studying as a Human Communications major with a minor in humanities. I love music, traveling, cooking, being outdoors and hanging out with family and friends. I am so excited to be a part of the Academic Advising office this year and even more excited to work with a great group of peer advisors, staff members, and faculty members. I also love to help people in any way I can, so just ask!
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 My name is Merril Longmore. I am getting my degree in Biology. I was born and raised here in Utah. I chose to attend Dixie State College several years ago because it has the most amazing weather on the planet. I soon fell in love with Saint George. It offers so much to do just outside the city limits. I really enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting. I am 6’7’’ and have been the tallest in almost all of my classes for as long as I can remember. I love working as a peer advisor because it gives me the opportunity to help my fellow students and learn from them as well.
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