For some it was only a few months ago, and for some it was almost four years ago. Freshman orientation is a common memory for almost all students and is made memorable by people who work behind the scenes to make it happen.

These people are the First Year Programs staff and its many peer advisers, whose job is to turn shy, incoming freshmen into confident, knowledgeable collegians — and it takes more than just giving a tour.

"A common misconception about peer advisers is that they're just tour guides of campus," said Connor Carroll, peer advising coordinator. "Although that is a part of what peer advisers do, it's a very small part of their jobs. They're here to welcome new freshmen as well as transfer students and family members to campus and get them comfortable with the community and environment."

The deadline for peer adviser applications for the 2007-2008 school year is Jan. 10. Applications can be turned in at Mary Gates Hall room 171.

Peer Advisers undergo a thorough training process that involves a 3-credit class during spring quarter, a weekend retreat and many hours in the field with incoming students.

"In my experience I wasn't out to be a peer adviser for the financial reward, although at $9 an hour, 40 hours a week during the summer it's not bad," Carroll said. "The communication, teamwork and improvisation skills that I've developed from this job are those that you will need to be successful in life no matter what your major in college is."

Under new leadership of Bryan Crockett, coordinator for Advising and Orientation Programs, the program is currently seeking new peer advisers and undergoing changes for the better.

"We're really focusing right now on making the First Year Program as consistent as possible," Crockett said. "We've found that in the past we haven't always been consistent, and that's a downfall. We're also currently working on ways of making the program more engaging for all students."

Crockett feels these changes are sure to be effective because they are based on data collected by First Year Programs through surveys and focus groups of those who matter most: students.

"One thing that is cool about the office of First Year Programs is that we are always getting feedback from different departments as well as students on how the program can be made better," Carroll said.

No amount of prior involvement on campus is required in order to become a peer adviser.

"People shouldn't think that just because they're not involved in a lot of things on campus that they will not get the job," Carroll said. "We want people that are really involved, but we also want those that choose to focus almost exclusively on their academics."

Reach reporter Camden Swita at camdenswita@thedaily.washington.edu