AAC Peer Ambassadors

Peer Ambassadors are dedicated, current students who provide invaluable support to incoming students during their first year at Queens College.  Serving as friendly guides and a knowledgeable resource, they share insights on academics, campus involvement, and navigating college challenges.  Through personalized, peer-led support, ambassadors foster a welcoming community that empowers new students to thrive.

Freshman Peers:

Tyler Dashan

Class Standing: Recent Graduate
Major: Psychology BA
In Person Hours: M 11-4 & W 10-3

A Peer Since: July 2024
Fun Fact: Tyler’s favorite TV show is Prison Break!
Future Goals:Mental health professional.

 

Kimberly Hookrum

Class Standing: Junior
Major: Psychology BA, Music & Production Minor
In Person Hours: M&Th 10-3

A Peer Since: July 2024
Fun Fact: Kimberly’s favorite TV show is Steven Universe!
Future Goals: Professional mental health counselor or music producer for TV shows.

Anthony Johnsen

Class Standing: Recent Graduate
Major: Psychology BA
In Person Hours: T & W 11-4

A Peer Since: July 2024
Fun Fact: Anthony’s favorite TV show is Jersey Shore!
Future Goals: Addiction rehabilitation counselor.

 

Tasnia Karim

Class Standing: Senior
Major: Design BFA
In Person Hours: M & Th 10-3

A Peer Since: August 2023
Fun Fact: Tasnia loves to travel!
Future Goals: Pursue an MA in Architectural Design.

Kevin Lohnes

Class Standing: Sophomore
Major: Accounting BBA
In Person Hours: T & W 12-4 & Th 12-2

A Peer Since: July 2024
Fun Fact: Kevin attends food fairs in NYC in his free time!
Future Goals: Forensics accountant.

 

Caroline Obanda

Class Standing: Senior
Major: Psychology BA
In Person Hours: M 11-1 & T 10-3 & W 10-1

A Peer Since: July 2024
Fun Fact: Caroline loves doing nails!
Future Goals: Mental health professional.

Emily Raghunath

Class Standing: Senior
Major: Psychology BA & BALA Minor
In Person Hours: M & W 12:30-4 Th 1-4

A Peer Since: July 2024
Fun Fact: Emily’s favorite TV show is Friends!
Future Goals: Real estate agent.

 

Mahendra Ramprasad

Class Standing: Senior
Major: Accounting BBA
In Person Hours: M 12-4 & T 1-4 & W 12-3

A Peer Since: July 2024
Fun Fact: Mahendra’s favorite TV show is Suits!
Future Goals: Accountant for a Fortune 500 company.

Transfer Peers

Janna Abreu

Class Standing: Recent Graduate
Major: Sociology BA & Psychology Minor In Person Hours: M & Th 11-4

 A Peer Since: Spring 2024
Fun Fact: Janna draws and paints in her free time!
Future Goals: Pursue a MA in Psychology or Education.

 

Kyndia Adewole

Class Standing: Junior
Major: Psychology BA, Hnrs in Social Sciences Minor
In Person Hours: T 10-1 & W 12-4

A Peer Since: Summer 2023
Fun Fact: Kyndia loves listening to music!
Future Goals: School counselor.

Labiba Khurshid

Class Standing: Recent MA graduate
Major: English & Secondary Education BA, English MA
In Person Hours: M & Th 11-4

A Peer Since: Summer 2023
Fun Fact: Labiba has two cats: Peanut & River!
Future Goals: To become a publisher.

 

William Urena

Class Standing: Senior
Major: English Education BA
In Person Hours: M 12-3:30 & T 12-2 & Th 12-1:30

 A Peer Since: August 2024
Fun Fact: Willian loves going to Yankee games!
Future Goals: Pursue a BA in Secondary Education and become a teacher.

Zhou (Jade) Xiaoran

Class Standing: Senior
Major: Economics BA & Data Minor
In Person Hours: T 10-12~1:30-4 & Th 10-12:30

A Peer Since: August 2024
Fun Fact: Jade is an international student from China!
Future Goals: Business analyst.

 

New + Current Student Assistance

Peer Ambassadors outreach to newly committed freshmen and transfer students. Students are provided with information and resources on how to register for their New Student Advising (NSA) session, register for classes, activate electronic accounts, and more!

Peer Ambassadors provide additional support for new and current students during virtual and in-person office hours in the AAC Support Lab located in Kiely Hall, Room 226.

Virtual and In-Person Services
DROP IN | NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED

In Person
KIELY 226: TUESDAY -THURSDAY | 10AM – 4PM

Virtual ZOOM
MONDAY – THURSDAY | 10AM – 4 PM

Meeting ID: 851 1579 8911 Passcode: 252631

The Academic Advising Center (AAC) Peer Ambassador Program began in 2021 with the goal to develop peer-to-peer advisement support for matriculated undergraduate students. Since then, the program has expanded with the generous support and collaborative partnerships of College Access: Research Action & (CARA), Career Launch/Service Corps, Gates Foundation, Petrie Foundation and CUNY Central Office of Student Affairs (COSA).

The Peer Ambassador Program offers peer-to-peer holistic support to eligible new freshman students involved in the QC in 4 program and undeclared transfer students through a cohort based model.  Our cohorts consist of all students who are unaffiliated with special programs which provide their own advisement and support (e.g. Honors, Macaulay, Navitas, Project ExCEL, SEEK, & Veterans).

The AAC Peer Ambassadors initiate contact with new students during the new student onboarding cycle to ensure a seamless and successful transition into the first semester.  After classes begin, mentoring cohorts are assigned at the start of the fall and spring semesters. Peers assist their students with academic readiness, registration, navigating CUNY systems, providing office referrals, and much more!

The Peer freshman program – CUNY College Connect — and the peer transfer program – QC ADAPTS: “Academic Development Ambassador Program for Transfer Students” — have been instrumental in providing students with the support and guidance to persist through the first academic year.

Training:

College Access: Research & Action (CARA) College Allies provides Peers with 75+ hours of paid training throughout the academic year to successfully support students, in addition to helping them to gain positive academic and professional experiences.   In particular, CARA addresses college retention for first-generation, low income, and students of color by positioning trained college students on campuses to support their peers through the potential obstacles of completing a degree.

Additionally, the AAC Peers receive training by the Center’s leadership that focuses on campus-specific policies and procedures, proactive caseload management, interpreting advising checklists/degree requirements, and more.

The AAC Peer Ambassador Program embodies the QC motto, “Discimus ut serviamus”, which translates to “we learn so that we may serve.”  All AAC Peer Ambassadors are trained to be effective resources to students to promote positive academic choices and life skills.

Q: How can I meet with a Peer Ambassador?
A: Feel free to drop in virtually or in-person, Kiely Rm 226, during their office hours. No appointment needed!

Q: I don’t have a Peer Ambassador; how can I get one?
A: You can email aacpeers@qc.cuny.edu and provide your EMPLID. We will be in touch with more information regarding your eligibility.   

Q: There are no academic advisor meetings soon, can I get help?
A: Of course! Feel free to make an appointment or drop by and ask any questions you may have.

Reminder: Peer Ambassadors are NOT advisors and CANNOT remove holds from your account. Depending on your questions, you may be referred to make an appointment via the QC Navigate app to meet with an advisor. However, we can help you navigate that process and answer any questions we can possibly can to help!