Our Undergraduate Peer Advisors are the face of our College to prospective students and their families, new incoming students and current UMD students. The College of Education Peer Advisor Program is run through the Office of Student Services and is a yearlong leadership internship offering undergraduate students the opportunity to become student leaders within the College and University and earn experience working with the advising department. During the first semester, students will participate in a course designed to establish leadership skills, train Peer Advisors on the College’s undergraduate programs and policies, and prepare students to  participate actively and knowledgeably at recruitment events, such as the annual Fall Open House, Admitted Student Open Houses and the First Look Fair, College of Education Orientation and paraprofessional activities within the College. The peer advisors are given the opportunity to gain experience working to help advise fellow peers, giving advice about programs and opportunities.

In the Spring semester, students will participate in a course designed to reinforce skills, concepts and practice gained in the first semester through active involvement in Open Houses, Workshops, Recruitment Events, Office Hours, the COE Newsletter and capstone projects. 

The College of Education Peer Advisor Program application is open now for Fall 2024 - Spring 202.

Are you looking to be an EdTerp Student Ambassador instead of a Peer Advisor for the College of Education? Click here to learn more! EdTerp Ambassadors have the opportunity to become involved in the College of Education as they represent the college at multiple recruitment events to communicate with prospective students.

Upcoming Events:

• Major Exploration Workshops: Peer Advisors assist with the Office of Student Services in the College of Education to host MEWs, or Major Exploration Workshops, for individuals interested in switching their Major within the College of Education. There are multiple MEWs throughout the semester, and they are hosted via Zoom.
  
  RSVP for a MEW to learn about our Majors that lead to Initial Teacher Certification Recommendation HERE. RSVP for a MEW to learn about our Human Development Major HERE.
• Professional Program Application Workshop: Join the College of Education Peer Advisors to learn more about the Professional Program Application including where and how to apply, application materials, application requirements, and important dates!

Meet Your Peer Advisors! 

Olivia Artale (she/her)

Spring 2024 Office Hours:  Monday 2:00-3:30; Thursday 12:00-3:30

Olivia is a Senior Human Development Major and Leadership Studies Minor from Flemington, New Jersey. Her favorite spot on campus is Tawes Plaza because that's where she spends all of her time in between classes! A fun fact about Olivia is that she loves to cook and is always looking for new recipes and ideas.

Kayla Kellner (she/her)

Spring 2024 Office Hours: Monday 11:00-12:30; Wednesday 11:30-12:30; Thursday 10:00-1:00

Kayla is a Senior Human Development and Psychology Double Major. Her favorite spot on campus is ESJ. A fun fact about Kayla is that she has 5 cats!

Alyssa Orlando (she/her)

Spring 2024 Office Hours: Monday 11:30-1:00; Tuesday 1:00-11:00-1:00; Friday 11:30-1:00

Alyssa is a Junior Special Education Major (Track 2). Her favorite spot on campus is Tawes Plaza because she loves to sit outside and do work, especially in the Fall! A fun fact about Alyssa is that her mom went to the University of Maryland and graduated in the College of Education!

Adelaide Sudbrink (she/her)

Spring 2024 Office Hours: Monday 10:00-1:00; Thursday 2:00-4:00

Adelaide is a Junior Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education Major and Public Leadership Minor from Bel Air, Maryland. Her favorite spot on campus is Mckeldin 4th floor reading room. A fun fact about Adelaide is that she has a Basset Hound mix named Ruby Pickles!

Shayna Becker (she/her)

Spring 2024 Office Hours:  Tuesday 10:15-12:15 and 2:00-4:00; Wednesday 1:50-2:50

Shayna is a Junior Human Development Major and Pre-law and Society Minor from Los Angeles, California. Her favorite spot on campus is McKeldin patio on the second floor. A fun fact about Shayna is that she learned how to use chopsticks at two-year-old!

Isabel Polanco (she/her)

Spring 2024 Office Hours: Monday 9:00-9:50; Tuesday 3:00-4:00; Thursday 12:30-1:40; Friday 9:45-11:45

Isabel is a Sophomore Middle School Math and Science Major from Gaithersburg, Maryland. Her favorite spot on campus is McKeldin Mall and a fun fact about Isabel is that she has 8 siblings!

Andrew Shea (he/him)

Spring 2024 Office Hours: Monday 9:00-11:00; Tuesday 12:30-3:00; Wednesday 12:00-1:30

Andrew  is a Junior Secondary Education History Major from East Meadow, New York. His favorite spot on campus is Tawes Plaza because it was his go to study spot when he lived in south campus dorms. A fun fact about Andrew is that his comfort shows are Avatar: The Last Airbender, SpongeBob, and Regular Show.

To speak with your College of Education Peer Advisors, please email  educpeeradvisors@umd.edu, or stop by the Office of Student Services (Benjamin Building 1204) during one of the Peer Advisor’s office hours.

The College of Education Peer Advisor Program requires students to have at least a 3.5 GPA. The Peer Advisor Program application can be accessed via this link: https://umdsurvey.umd.edu/jfe/form/SV_3t3tqvorwdDZJhs. The application is open now and closes Monday, July 1st, 2024.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Students must have by the end of the Spring 2024 semester:
  • At least a minimum  of a 3.5 GPA
  • A major in the College of Education
  • A positive demeanor, a desire to learn, and an ability to work well with others