Auburn University's College of Education launches new peer advisor program to enhance student success

Auburn University’s College of Education has launched a new Peer Advisor Program aimed at strengthening student support, improving retention and building a more connected community across campus.

Designed to complement existing professional academic advising services, the initiative pairs students, particularly first-year and transfer students, with trained student leaders who offer relatable academic, social and institutional guidance.

While professional advisors provide essential direction, research shows that students often feel more comfortable first reaching out to peers who have recently navigated similar experiences.

“Transitioning to college often presents a mix of academic, emotional and administrative challenges ranging from navigating degree requirements to building confidence in seeking help," College of Education Academic Advisor Will Brown said. “We want students to feel supported at every stage of their Auburn Education experience and believe the Peer Advisor Program is a great complement to the work we do as academic advisors.”

Peer Advisors assist new students during orientation, offer guidance on study strategies and course planning, host academic workshops and connect peers with vital campus resources such as tutoring and counseling. Additionally, they serve as an essential communication bridge between the student body and professional advising staff.

"We’re excited to see how the program helps students connect with their peers and witness the power of students learning from one another,” Brown added.

For the student advisors, the program offers a hands-on opportunity to develop leadership, communication and professional skills while serving as mentors.

“I wanted to be a Peer Advisor because I thought the College of Education Academic Advisors have such a fun and important job,” said Alex Woodrow, an Early Childhood Education major who will serve as a Peer Advisor for the 2026-2027 academic year. “I always noticed how wonderful they all were at their jobs and how each one always did what was best for each student. When I knew that we were going to start having Peer Advisors I thought this would be the perfect opportunity for me to learn more about talking to college students about their academics and learn more about the higher education world.

“I always knew I wanted to join this program because when I was a first-semester freshman, I struggled academically, and I want to be the person students can come talk to about their academics and how I can help them or find someone who can.” 

The inaugural cohort of Peer Advisors for the 2026–2027 academic year includes Woodrow, Alex Gillum (Mathematics Education), Sophie Edgil (Elementary Education), Kylie Pate (Rehabilitation and Disability Studies), Kiersten Wilson (Mathematics Education), and Bryant Maze (Mathematics Education).

“The value in this program is how it allows students to communicate firsthand with a trained Peer Advisor who has been through the obstacles that a student may be experiencing, and we can be a student guide to help,” Woodrow said. “It also allows the Peer Advisors who are interested in higher education to be able to learn the ins and outs of what higher education is like, the Academic Advisors give us so many opportunities to be able to learn and grow through this program! It also gives students another opportunity on ways to get involved inside the College of Education!”

Selection for the program takes place each spring term through a competitive application and scenario-based interview process. Before stepping into their roles, selected advisors complete specialized training covering student privacy (FERPA), office etiquette and advising scenarios.

Applications for the next cohort of Peer Advisors will open during the spring semester. For more information about the Peer Advisor Program or to connect with an advisor, visit the College of Education website or contact the Academic Advising Office.