Become a PAA and help first- and second-year students negotiate academic challenges and plan their academic pathways. Representing a wide range of A.B. and B.S.E. departments, PAAs are an essential part of their residential college’s academic advising team. Apply to become a PAA and partner with your RCA to support the transition of first-year zees to Princeton and provide academic mentorship to sophomores. PAA Requirements First things first: You do NOT have to have a near-perfect GPA to be eligible. Students who have overcome challenges in their academic work have important advice and perspective to share! Here’s what is required: A.B. or B.S.E. junior or senior standing by fall of the academic year in which you will serve. A commitment to hold the position for one full academic year. (The position is not a good fit if you are planning to study abroad.) Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to respond to students in a helpful manner, both one-on-one and in small groups. Ability to collaborate with other students, and to work well with faculty and staff. Knowledge of Princeton’s academic support resources. For pre-health peer advisers, appropriate coursework and a familiarity with the Health Professions Advising Office. PAA Responsibilities Training Spring welcome event: Attend a welcome event (with RCAs) during the reading period. Fall training: Return to campus and attend fall training. Academic year ongoing training: Attend occasional training sessions led by campus partners (1 per semester, opportunities will be shared with you by your assistant dean for studies). Attend monthly meetings with your assistant dean for studies. Academic Onboarding of First-Year Students ClassPath Online Advising Course: Lead online and Zoom discussions with incoming first-years about Princeton academics in Canvas. This is roughly a 10-hour time commitment spread out across two to three weeks in mid to late summer, managed at times that work for your schedule. Orientation: Attend PAA training, help welcome your advisees to the college, host advising events throughout orientation, help out during first-year course registration, and lead aspects of academic orientation programming, including the Academic Integrity session and Pre-Read discussion. Academic Year Mentorship and Programming “College 101” discussions for first-year students (fall term): Lead discussions for first-year students on academic transition topics. Regular academic advising support for first-years and sophomores: Be a presence for advisees throughout the year, by attending zee group events, eating regularly in the college dining hall, sending weekly “tips” emails, and scheduling one-on-one check-in meetings with with first-year zees. Offer academic advising programming to first-year and sophomore students in your college. Support RCA and zee group: Collaborate with and be an additional resource for the RCA with whom you are paired. At minimum, PAAs must attend RCA study breaks as often as possible and initiate and co-host at least two additional academic advising study breaks per semester. Academic Advising Programming: Organize and participate in academic programs and advising fairs scheduled centrally and by your college during the fall and spring terms. Assist with concentration selection programming for AB sophomores and BSE first-years. Collaborate with McGraw learning consultants on academic programming. Apply The PAA application outlines PAA responsibilities and expectations. Please read it carefully. Applications typically become available in late February and are due in mid-March, followed by interviews for potential candidates. Attend an info session (held early in the spring term) to learn more. PAA Application Complete and submit your application to serve as a PAA and mentor other students. Additional Resources Residential College Advisers (RCAs) Understand the role of RCAs, who are integral to fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging community.