Peer Advising

Peer Advisors vs Assigned Academic Advisor

HDFS Peer Advisors are undergraduate student leaders who work closely with the Undergraduate Advising staff to help new students transition and connect to the department while also serving as HDFS ambassadors. Sharing their experiences and perspectives, Peer Advisors fulfill an important role in supporting current and prospective HDFS students with resources, people, and information to help them be successful, while also providing a friendly, peer perspective to help students feel comfortable and connected within the major.

Professional advisors are your assigned HDFS Advisor, professionals in student affairs and higher education who partner with you when you enter the major through graduation from HDFS. They’re with you as you explore and navigate your college experience. Professional advisors also teach HDFS 277, Introductory Seminar in HDFS, classes, and facilitate programming and outreach within the department to support student success.

When to visit a peer advisor

HDFS concentration course options & requirements
Help running a DARS report & other Ramweb-related resources
Resources for the HDFS major, ECE major, gerontology minor, and Certificate in Youth Mentoring with Campus Connections
To learn more about ways to get involved in the HDFS department (HDFS Peer Mentoring, Teaching & Research Assistant opportunities, Campus Connections, SOUL, ConX groups, Peer Advising).
How to sign up for an HDFS Change of Major workshop
Questions about faculty office hours
Locating & sharing feedback about AUCC course options
Solving registration-related problems
Discussing their experiences with various HDFS courses
Discussing your ideas for future programming & related events in the department

When to visit with your assigned academic advisor

Academic and graduation planning (including Education abroad)
Overrides and course-related issues
Signing forms (Education abroad, ECE major application, etc.)
Academic changes to your schedule, major, or CSU plans
Adding/changing HDFS concentrations
Career interests & exploration
Personal concerns
Academic opportunities within and outside of HDFS (Research & Teaching Assistantships, PLP, AAC, etc.)

Peer Advisors

Que’Nique Blake

Hello, my name is Que’Nique! I am currently earning my undergraduate degree in HDFS with a concentration in Prevention and Intervention Sciences and earning a minor in Spanish. I hope to use this degree to become a school counselor or a marriage and family therapist. During my time here at CSU, I have been a BAACC (Black/African American Cultural Center) peer mentor, and a Resident Assistant (RA) in Corbett Hall. I am currently an RA in Braiden and serve as the director of traditions for the Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU). In these roles, I hope to continue student engagement and provide support to all students!

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Grace Cassidy

Hi everyone! My name is Grace, and I am a senior in HDFS with a concentration in Prevention and Intervention Sciences. After completing my undergraduate degree in HDFS, I plan to take some time off and eventually go to graduate school to get a master’s degree in social work or school counseling. I plan on pursuing a career as a youth school counselor or social worker. Over the summer, I completed an internship with the CSU Early Childhood Center, and I am involved with the Finish What You Started program through the Community for Excellence. Outside of school, I like to spend time with my family and friends, go up to Horsetooth, or watch a good TV show. I am super excited to be a peer advisor this semester and to meet students in HDFS!

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Makenzie Harter

Hi everyone! My name is Kenzi, and I’m a junior majoring in Early Childhood Education. After I finish my undergraduate degree at CSU, I plan on being an elementary school teacher, which I’m super excited for. Outside of peer advising, I’m a part of a sorority here on campus, and outside of school I love to swim, be outside, or just be around my friends and family. I am also a swim teacher, and I primarily teach younger kids, which is a blast!

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Niamh Heaney

Hello, my name is Niamh! I am a senior studying HDFS with concentrations in Prevention and Intervention Sciences and Pre-Health Professions. In the future, I want to work in the field of public health policy and awareness. I intend on completing a master’s degree in public health in Europe. In addition to being a HDFS Peer Advisor, I am also the volunteer coordinator for SOUL, a student-run HDFS club. Outside of school, I spend time with family, friends, and my dog. I also love to hike, paddle board, play tennis, snowboard, and craft. A fun fact about me is that I have a passion for traveling! I studied abroad for a semester in Australia, and I am excited to complete my Internship in Ireland!

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Miles Liss

Hi! I’m Miles, a senior in HDFS with a concentration in Prevention and Intervention Sciences. I’m really drawn to helping people, which is why I love this major and all the various programs students can do within it! I’ll be applying to the Marriage and Family Therapy program soon to be a licensed marriage and family therapist. Additionally, I’m a huge fan of gardening, hiking, being with my friends, and doing art. I’m also completing a minor in Anthropology and helping in the AHEAD lab, a yoga and mindfulness-based intervention for youth who are experiencing adversity.

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Allie Taylor

Hey! My name is Allie, and I am in my third year at CSU in HDFS with a concentration in Pre-Health Professions. Although I did not come to CSU with a major in HDFS, I quickly found out that this major was the best fit for me. After I finish my undergraduate degree, my goal is to go to PA school and pursue my dream of becoming a physician’s assistant. Apart from being a peer advisor in the HDFS department, I am also in a sorority, providing me with additional campus involvement. Outside of the busyness of school, I enjoy getting coffee with my friends, paddle boarding at Horsetooth, and walking the shops in Old Town, Fort Collins! I am so excited to see what this year has to offer!

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Peer Advising Peer Advisor Assistance