About the Advising Center :: Peer Advisors

Welcome to the University of Michigan College of Engineering.  The college experience is very different from the experience of high school.  The new freedom you will enjoy as a college student will also come with a lot of responsibility and this responsibility means that you need to be prepared for this journey academically, financially, and socially.

Academic advisors are an excellent resource to help you prepare for you rigorous academic schedule.  Your academic advisors also work closely with peer advisors who can help you through the orientation process.  Peer advisors are upperclassmen in a variety of engineering departments who have already successfully made the transition from high school to college.  Peer advisors have been trained to help first-year students choose courses, register for classes, and understand the policies and procedures of the College.  More importantly, as students, peer advisors have a personal insight into life at the University of Michigan.  They can answer questions about course professors, student organizations, and campus life in general.  Peer advisors are a terrific resource for first year students. Along with academic advisors, they can assist you in making your transition to college as smooth as possible.

Residence Hall Peer Advising

Occasionally, it can be difficult for students to meet with an advisor during regular business hours. For this reason, peer advisors hold office hours in some of the reshalls throughout the fall and winter terms. They can answer quick questions you may have about classes, study skills, and other resources offered by the College of Engineering.  Since peer advisors do not hold office hours in every reshall, students can also instant message peer advisors from their room with questions during office hours. When it gets close to registration time, academic advisors hold office hours in reshalls as wells as walk-in advising in the Engineering Advising Center to help students build their schedule for the next term and discuss academic progress.  There is no substitute for meeting with your academic advisor.  Make appointments, go to walk-in advising, and visit the advisor in your reshall to make sure you are prepared and taking responsibility for your education.

2009-2010 Peer Advisors:

Ann Lesnefsky is a senior from Shaker Heights OH, majoring in Chemical Engineering with a concentration in Environmental Engineering. She is a member of the UofM Figure Skating Team, synthetic biology team and Phi Sigma Rho (the women’s engineering sorority). In her free time she enjoys taking walks in the arboretum and tossing a frisbee with friends.

Tony Martus is a senior from Oxford, MI, majoring in Chemical Engineering. He is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and Triangle fraternity. He enjoys playing various sports and volunteering in the Ann Arbor area.

Jessica Szemraj is originally from Washington, DC.  She is a soon to be graduate student in the Computer Science Engineering program.  As an undergraduate at Michigan, she double majored in Electrical and Computer Engineering. She enjoys a “healthy” TV addiction as well as traveling as much as possible, especially cruises (13 so far) and Disney World (10+ visits).

Shannon Power is a junior from Rochester Hills, MI, majoring in Aerospace Engineering. She is active in the UofM Engineering Council. The Epians, and Students for the Exploration and Development of Space. She enjoys being involved around campus. In her free time she plays and listens to music, cooks and likes to explore the Arb.

Jillian VandePutte is a senior from Clinton Township, MI, majoring in Industrial and Operations Engineering. She is an active member of Theta Tau co-ed Professional Engineering Fraternity. She is also a member of the Society of Women Engineers. She enjoys participating in IM sports and volunteering on campus. In her free time she watches TV with friends and naps.

Audra Williams is a junior from Flushing, MI, majoring in Chemical Engineering. She hopes to attend medical school after graduation. She is active in Dance Marathon and Alternative Spring Break. She also plays the cello in the Pop String Orchestra and enjoys volunteer work.

Stephen Hannon is a senior from Jackson, MI, majoring in Civil Engineering. He is an active member of BLUE Lab as well as the St. Mary Student Parish. In his limited free time he enjoys singing and playing music, walking in the Arb or playing the cowbell at Michigan football games.

Erica Roche is a junior from Marquette, MI, majoring in BioMedical Engineering. She is a member of the UofM Women’s Rugby Club. She plans on completing the SGUS program and in her free time she enjoys playing the piano, soccer and running.

Jordan Wyrwa is a senior from Deerfield, IL, majoring in BioMedical Engineering. He plans on attending medical school after graduation. He competes with the University of Michgan Men’s Rowing Team. He spends his free time playing video games, playing guitar and volunteering.

Mikey Chung is a senior from Dearborn, MI, majoring in Chemical Engineering.  He is active in Alpha Delta Phi and Alpha  Chi Sigma - the professional chemistry fraternity.  He is involved with Greek Life and various environmental groups around campus.  He enjoys playing the guitar, playing tennis and spending time with friends.