Academic Peer Advocacy

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Academic Peer Advocacy

Academic Peer Advocacy knowledge microcredential recognizes students who are selected as Academic Peer Advocates (APA). The Academic Peer Advocacy program pairs first-time, full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students in their first and second year, with trained and compassionate peers dedicated to providing individualized support during their transition to college. APA's mission is to empower their peers to take advantage of the appropriate campus resources and to confidently seek help when needed. APAs connect students to the First and Second Year Academic Advocates in the Academic Success Center for coordinated care when there are complicated barriers to navigate.

Earners receive this microcredential upon completing one semester of being an Academic Peer Advocate. APAs must participate and engage in the APA program, which includes completing training on communication, academic skills, university resources, understanding students’ diverse needs; creating academic success plans; holding weekly office hours where students meet individually with APAs; attending monthly team meetings; completing monthly reflections; and aligning with the values of the APA program, the Academic Success Center, and UMBC.

The Academic Peer Advocate knowledge microcredential signifies the earner's impactful involvement in fostering students’ success and their commitment to the UMBC Academic Success Center's mission.

Earning Criteria

- Complete one semester as an APA.
- Hold Weekly Office Hours Throughout the Semester
- Attend Semesterly Training
- Fulfill Student Appointments and APA Administrative Duties
- Submitted an APA Portfolio and/or curated artifacts for the portfolio.
- Portfolio includes:
- Follow-up meeting emails to students (5)
- Reflection Questions
- Knowledge Assessment

Additional Details

Time to complete

- 1 semester or 15 weeks

Learning Outcomes

- Communicate the importance of academic resources to students.
- Provide and demonstrate compassionate customer service to students experiencing a variety of challenges.
- Identify and prioritize the needs and challenges of students.
- Manage multiple administrative responsibilities.
- Articulate the value and importance of the APA program and the Academic Success Center.
- Acknowledge the diverse identities and variety of academic backgrounds of learners and adapt to the needs of individual students.
- Create success plans with actionable steps to navigate student barriers.
- Develop the ability to maintain autonomous responsibilities within a team dynamic.