Academic and Advising Services Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

About being a Peer Advisor

Process Home | New Applicants | Returning PAs | FAQs | Nominations

Where

are the interviews located?
Group Interview:
Group Interviews will take place in Stetson Hall, room 251.

Individual Interviews:
Individual Interviews will take place in Penfield Hall in the Office of Academic and Advising Services.

How many PAs do you take?
We typically have around fifty PAs on staff, comprised of returning staff members and new staff members. There is no quota for how many new versus returning staff members we accept. We will choose the best team possible, with at least one PA for every first-year course (UNV, MAPS, and FYS-X).

How is a PA different from a Preceptor?
The preceptors work exclusively with FYS, now INT, courses. PAs have no role with INT courses.

Questions?
Check out our
Frequently Asked Questions
- Or -
Contact Ted Goshorn
Coordinator of New Student Programs
goshorn_ta@mercer.edu
(478) 301-2037

How is a PA different from a Business PA?
The only difference between the two lies in the class. Business PAs are assigned to a MAPS course and work closely with Ms. Donna Terrill, Director of the MAPS Program. They have all the same functions as other PAs. Business PAs are typically following a major in the Stetson School of Business and Economics.

How will I know which Summer Orientation Sessions I work?
Part of the application asks you to list the sessions you can work. Everyone must select at least two, but three or four may be selected. In May, OLT will contact you with the schedule of when we have you down to work, based on
the availability you slated.

Why should you be a PA?
Ask Kim Campbell

So, I thought I was becoming a Peer Advisor to help new Mercerians adjust to college life, and in part that's what I did. But, I had no idea how much I would be helping myself at the same time. I knew I'd get to meet incoming Freshmen, which was amazing, but connecting with other people that love Mercer as much as I do was so much more incredible than I could have ever imagined. I not only met, but really got to know students that I would have never met otherwise. These people have connected with so many different parts of campus, and some of them are now friends that I cannot image not having. To sum the whole experience up, I would say it is one of the most challenging things I have ever undertaken, but I can think of but a few things that have been more rewarding.

What if my availability changes?
No problem! We'll work with you to find dates that do work.

What if I get an internship or study abroad during the summer. Can I still be a PA?
Yes! When you fill out your application, just let us know. If you're not sure yet what you'll be doing this summer, still apply, and then let Ted Goshorn know. When there's a summer opportunity that prevents you from working during the summer, we'll work with you.

What if I am studying abroad this Spring. Can I still apply to be a PA?
Yes! Please fill out the application form and complete all the other necessary steps depending on whether you are a new or returning applicant. Then contact Ted Goshorn to work out the details.

Can I do a Mercer on Mission and be a PA?
Yes! Even if it means you'll miss all of the summer orientation sessoins, that's fine. The only way someone might be precluded from becoming a PA based on summer commitments is if that commitment would cause you to miss all of PA Training in August.

What if I have other summer commitments, like work?
No problem! See answer to Mercer on Mission question.

What if I have applied to be a Resident Assistant?
We encourage you to still apply to be a PA. Our process lines up neatly with Residence Life's process, so you should receive notification of a decision from both Academic and Advising Services and Residence Life in the same week. If you are selected to be both a PA and an RA, we ask that you choose one over the other.

Can I be an RA and a PA at the same time?
Unfortunately, no. Because of the nature of both positions, the responsibilities and time commitments do not jibe. We encourage all applicants to make the best decision for them, should an applicant for both be selected for both.

If I applied to be a PA in a previous year and was not hired, will that affect my application for this year?
No, previous years' application process will have no impact on this year's application or decision making process

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