Beyond regular year-round duties, a number of PAAs have the chance to be an O-Week PAA at their college. This experience differs from that of the year-long PAAs, in part because of the work and time commitment, but also in how the PAAs interact with students. Here’s what some former PAAs had to say about their experiences.
“Being an O-Week PAA was a great way to get to know the new students at my college, and throughout the year I was able to help because students were more likely to approach a familiar face.”–Christina Coravos, Duncan 2012
“I chose to be an O-week PAA because I knew that it would provide me with the opportunity to help freshmen and incoming transfers who often need the most academic guidance. To be able to help them at the point at which they are likely very confused about academics was very rewarding.”–Sachin Allahabadi, Sid Richardson 2013
“I especially enjoyed being an O-week PAA for two years in a row, as it was an awesome way to get to know all the first-year students at my college really well (as opposed to just the students in one O-week group). Not to mention, it was also a ton of fun!” –Tina Munjal, Wiess 2012
“As an O-Week PAA for the past two years, I have made a difference in easing new students’ transition to Rice and introducing the academic advising resources and supports that are available to students for the first time. The best experiences during O-Week were the informal conversations I had amongst students, O-Week groups, faculty associates, and O-Week affiliates on how to navigate the academic system at Rice without becoming stressed out. It was a personal goal of mine to help new students feel the most comfortable and assured of themselves regarding their academic potential and future academic plans while at Rice. After O-Week, the new students trust PAAs as approachable and relatable peers with whom they can discuss academic advising concerns and work with to plan for the future. I love maintaining connections with new students through the academic year!”–Emily Pyle, McMurtry 2012
Learn more about the differences between the O-week PAA role and an O-week advisor or co-advisor