A unique Orientation/Peer Counseling Program is conducted each fall for all incoming freshmen. Small groups of first year men and women meet with their respective Peer Counselors for a 50-minute classroom session once a week until fall break. Topics of discussion in the orientation classes include adjustment problems, communication skills, study skills, test anxiety, stress reduction, diversity, time management, personal and campus safety, HIV/AIDS, date rape, sexual harassment/assault, and chemical abuse.  Allowance is made for any special requests or needs of the group.  Tours of the campus, handbook review, guest speakers, videotapes, social activities, relevant handouts, various CBU policies/procedures, and introductions/referrals to campus resources are incorporated into the program.  Successsful completion of the Orientation 100 course is required for graduation from Christian Brothers University.

The Peer Counseling/Freshman Orientation Program

The Peer Counseling/Freshman Orientation Program is conducted each fall for all incoming freshmen. The Peer Counselors, under the direction of the Counseling Center, are specially selected upper-class students who are trained and prepared to help students in their transition and adaptation to college life and to the Christian Brothers University community.

When students first arrive on campus, they are in touch. The Peer Counselor program acquaints freshmen with the many facets of being a student at CBU – not just where to go and whom to see, but keys to personal growth: participating, studying, relating.

The Peer Counselors receive intense training in areas such as paraprofessional helping skills, group dynamics, and group facilitating skills, as well as a review of offices, personnel, services and resources of the university. These students attend in-service workshops in the spring and fall and enroll in the three-hour credit course, "Counselor Training" (COUN 300 or 301), which they attend one hour each week for nine weeks. During this period of time they also meet with small groups of freshmen fifty minutes each week in the Freshman Orientation (ORIN 100) classes.

For additional information, see "Orientation 100 Classes"

Peer Counselor Applicant Information

Eligibility: Students applying for the position of Peer Counselor should:

1. Be a sophomore, junior or senior
2. Have at least a 2.5 cumulative grade-point-average
3. Be a campus leader respected by fellow students, faculty and staff
4. Be recommended by two faculty members

Responsibilities: Primary responsibilities as a Peer Counselor will be:

1. To attend and actively participate in all spring and fall training sessions and Welcome Week activities
2. To conduct the ORIN 100, 50-minute weekly classroom meetings with assigned first-year students, following the course outline and specific lesson plans
3. To attend weekly 50-minute class meetings with the Director of Counseling for assignments, materials, teaching techniques, basic counseling skills, group tasks, etc.
4. To submit, at each Counselor Training class, a journal which will include class notes and lesson plans as well as evaluations of each class session with the freshmen
5. To submit, at the end of the Counselor Training course, an acceptable paper or project relating to the Peer Counseling Program
6. To promptly complete all assignments
7. To submit mid-term and final ORIN 100 grades to the Director of Counseling
8. To consistently and informally inspire and encourage freshmen in order to affect success and retention at CBU
9. To consistently serve as a role model and a supporter of CBU

Reinforcements: As a Peer Counselor, reinforcing rewards will be:

1. To receive three credits for the course "Counselor Training" (COUN 300/301)
2. To receive lodging and meals (resident students) during the Paraprofessional Training Week in August
3. To learn skills in counseling, teaching, working with individuals and groups
4. To receive valuable experience in leadership which could be personally rewarding and helpful for future employment

Applications for Peer Counselor positions for the fall term are available each spring beginning the Monday after Spring Break. Applications are to be picked up and returned to the Counseling Center.

A cross-campus selection committee consisting of faculty, staff and students is utilized. The number of Peer Counselors selected each spring depends on the number of projected freshmen for the following fall term.