SA Application
1
Student Academic Adviser Application
Checklist and Timeline
Fall Semester – 2016
Application Materials: DUE Wednesday, February 3 by 5pm
Applications are due IN PERSON in the Academic Resource Center, Memorial 325


Cover letter
Two letters of recommendation
o One must be from a Whitman faculty member
Timeline of SA Selection Process





Information Panels with former SAs will be held in Jewett (Thursday, Jan. 21) and in
Anderson (Monday, Jan. 25). Both will take place at 7pm.
Applications due Wednesday, Feb. 3 by 5pm – in person, in the Academic Resource
Center, Memorial 325
Individual interviews Feb. 8 – 19
Group interviews Feb. 22 – 25
Acceptance offer letters sent Friday, March 4
Timeline of SA Position
All dates and times are REQUIRED COMMITMENTS if SA position is accepted




Spring Training
o Thursday, March 31, 4 – 5:30pm
o Thursday, April 14, 4 – 5:30pm
o Thursday, April 28, 4 – 5:30pm
o Tuesday, May 10, 11am – 1pm
Summer Training and Orientation
o Tuesday, Aug. 16, 10am TRAINING BEGINS
o Tuesday, Aug. 16 – Thursday, Aug. 25
Weekly SA Staff Meetings
o Thursdays, 4 – 5:30pm
Weekly Residence Life Staff Meetings
o Mondays, 7 – 8pm
Salary and Housing


Each SA will receive compensation of ~$2000 for the 2016 Fall Semester.
Each SA will be housed in a single room at no additional charge. Lyman SAs will be in a
double room and must select a roommate.
SA Application
2
Student Academic Adviser Application
Fall Semester – 2016
Cover letter and letters of recommendation (2) due by 5pm, Wed., Feb. 3, 2016
To be turned into the Academic Resource Center, Memorial 325
Applicant Information
Name:
Phone #:
Campus Residence:
Email:
Class Year:
Cumulative GPA:
Major (or expected):
Intended credit load Fall 2016:
Job Description
Student Academic Advisers (SAs) work as peer advisers, living in first-year sections of the
residence halls providing first-year students with academic support. SAs assist new students with
orientation, course planning, and registration. SAs help first-year students learn to be self-reliant
and successful in achieving their academic goals. For a complete job description, see page 3.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter explaining your interest in the SA position, including what you
would contribute as an SA. Be specific about why the SA position would be a good fit for both
you and Whitman first-year students.
References
You must submit two letters of recommendations. At least one letter of recommendation must
come from a Whitman faculty member.
Please list the names of the two people who will submit a recommendation on your behalf.
Name
How you know this person
Email
SA Application
3
SA Job Description
Under the supervision of the Director of the Academic Resource Center, a Student Academic
Adviser works as a peer adviser providing first-year students with academic support.
Primary Role
A. Will assist new students with orientation, course planning, and registration
B. Will demonstrate a working knowledge of campus offices and the academic resources
and services available as well as serve as a source of information and referral, and assist
students with any concerns related to their academic experience at Whitman
C. Is responsible for informing and educating advisees about registration, drop/add,
withdrawal deadlines, P-D-F policies and deadlines, early registration, petitions, and
other academic procedures
D. Will lead by example and demonstrate a positive attitude toward academic and
intellectual pursuits
E. Will work with students to help them learn to be self-reliant and successful in achieving
their academic goals
F. Will work in partnership with the Resident Director (RD) to develop section community
well being and belonging.
G. Will maintain regular office hours and programs
SA Job Responsibilities
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
M.
Assist students with academic adjustment to Whitman
Help students plan their class schedule
Provide academic advice when needed
Assist students in developing effective academic success skills
Support and uphold College and residence hall policies and standards of conduct
Work collaboratively with students, RAs, and RDs to ensure an environment in the
residence hall that respects the rights and privacy of others and promotes the individual
needs of students living in a group environment
Attend weekly SA staff meetings every Thursday from 4-5:30pm in Memorial 324
Attend residence hall meeting as required by your Resident Director
Maintain a minimum of 4 office hours per week to be available to answer questions, edit
papers, assist with assignments, and get to know students
Plan and implement/present a minimum of 4 academic-oriented programs
Contact each student in the section for a preliminary advising appointment and midsemester check-in
Publish one issue of the SA Newsletter
Submit a weekly log to the Director of the Academic Resource Center
SA Application
4
Student Academic Adviser Letter of Recommendation Form
To be completed and submitted no later than Wed., Feb. 3 by 5pm
Instructions to the applicant
Complete the top portion of this form and give it to the person providing your recommendation.
Name:
Email:
Cumulative GPA:
Major (or expected):
I have submitted an application to be a Student Academic Adviser (SA) for Whitman College. I
understand this recommendation is confidential and will not be released to either myself or to a
third party, and will only be used in the evaluation of my application.
Signature:
Date:
Instructions to the recommender
This student is applying to be a Student Academic Adviser (SA) for Whitman College. We are
interested in your candid appraisal of this student’s academic determination and interpersonal
maturity. Your evaluation is very important to us.
This form should be returned to Rebecca Frost, Director of Student Success and Disability
Support Services, at Whitman College as soon as possible, and no later than Wed., Feb. 3.
345 Boyer Ave.
Memorial Building, 325
Walla Walla, WA 99362
frostr@whitman.edu
Name:
Email:
Title/Relationship to Applicant:
If you are a faculty member and/or teacher, please indicate the class/subject taught:
Please comment on the student’s quality and nature of their academic work.
How would you describe this student? Are there any personal strengths, weaknesses, or unique
characteristics of which you feel we should be aware?
Recommendation form continued on next page.
SA Application
5
Student Academic Adviser Letter of Recommendation Form
To be completed and submitted no later than Wed., Feb. 3 by 5pm
Below
Average
Average
Good
Very Good
Academic achievement
Independent initiative
Disciplined work habits
Potential for growth
Summary evaluation
Additional comments:
Signature:
Date: