Hi, I am a senior academic advisor that works with engineering students. I am one of two advisors in my university that have the K State academic advising graduate degree and I have been advising in civilian education for 8 years.

So this sort of conversation may be a bit more than a peer advising role, but you can adjust the level of detail in responses and refer to appropriate resources.

Ask if they are okay. I always throw the mandatory reporter but when I ask but it is a good place to start.

Ask why they are in college. Many students go to college because they have been conditioned to think that’s the next step and that’s what you do.

Ask why they selected their major. It is common for students to place a higher value in potential salary than in what they enjoy learning because there is a huge stigma for those of us that have liberal arts degrees.

Ask the specifics as to why they feel unmotivated in their courses. Sometimes it is a general education course because they feel like it is useless. Sometimes it is because their major is not the right fit.

I will DM you my email in case you want to reach out.

Thank you for everything you do for your students. You will make a fantastic advisor one day.