Academic Peer Advocacy Expert
Academic Peer Advocacy proficiency 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 proficiency microcredential upon completing two semesters of being an Academic Peer Advocate and after obtaining the APA knowledge microcredential. APAs must complete additional training on various academic challenges and apply the knowledge and skills obtained to better understand the unique needs of each individual student at different times in their academic career. This understanding leads the APAs to validate and normalize studentsâ'holistic challenges, leading to identifying and sharing the most beneficial support on campus. APAs in their second semester are proficient at empowering and guiding students to become their own advocates. APAs will also continue to hold weekly office hours where students meet individually with APAs; attend monthly team meetings; complete monthly reflections; and align with the values of the APA program, the Academic Success Center, and UMBC.
The Academic Peer Advocate proficiency microcredential signifies the earner's impactful involvement in fostering students' self-efficacy, their active commitment to developing new Academic Peer Advocates, and their dedication to the UMBC Academic Success Center's mission.
Earning Criteria
- Hold Weekly Office Hours Throughout the Semester.
- Attend Semesterly Training.
- Fulfill Student Appointments and APA Administrative Duties.
- Submit 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
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the importance of compassionate customer service to students experiencing a variety of challenges that may extend from their personal lives to their academics through personal experience.
- Prioritize using the learned skill of validation to help students feel heard and supported through their unique challenges.
- Manage multiple administrative responsibilities; including the utilization of technology using two scheduling systems:
- Manage and demonstrate proficiency using technology to effectively complete job across multiple functions.
- Learn, utilize, and proficiently manage the various technological platforms to effectively serve as an APA, including two scheduling systems, a learning system, and a case management system.
- Apply and articulate the value and importance of the APA program and the Academic Success Center through meaningful interactions with students.
- Acknowledge the diverse identities and variety of academic backgrounds of learners and adapt to the needs of individual students.
- Create individual success plans with multiple actionable steps to navigate student barriers and build plans through written communication.
- Demonstrate the ability to autonomously maintain responsibilities within a team dynamic.
Alison Larsen
Senior Academic Advocate
Academic Success Center
Sherman Hall (Academic IV Bldg) B-Wing Room 353
+1 410 455 8682