Thank you for your interest in the Meiklejohn Peer Advising Program! The application to become a Meiklejohn for the 2023-2024 school year is now live! If you have a question that has not been answered on this page, please email [email protected]. We look forward to receiving your application!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to be a Meiklejohn?
To apply to be a new Meiklejohn, all application materials must be submitted online through this link: tinyurl.com/meikapply2023. To apply to be a returning Meiklejohn, all application materials must be submitted online through this link: tinyurl.com/meikreturnerapply2023. Please note that materials sent through email attachments will not be considered.
What does the new Meiklejohn application involve?
The application includes 3 short answer questions, 1 introductory letter, and 1 video response case-study. New Meiklejohn applicants that are currently taking UNIV 0123 will be given priority over those who are not, but everyone is eligible to apply.
When is the application due?
The application deadline for full consideration is Friday, April 7, 11:59 pm. Early submissions are welcome!
Do I need a letter of recommendation?
As of the 2020-2021 application cycle, first-time applicants do not need to submit a recommendation. For current Meiklejohns who are in the program for the first time this year, the recommendation requirement from a current advisee has also been waived.
Do I need to interview?
This year, first-time applicants will not interview to become a Meiklejohn, unlike previous years. Instead, first-time applicants will be asked to submit a 2-3 minute video response to one of two case study questions.
*We understand that submitting a video response may not be feasible for all candidates. If this is the case for you for any reason, please reach out to [email protected], so we can discuss alternative options.
I'm a current Meiklejohn. Do I need to reapply?
Current Meiklejohns do need to reapply for acceptance for the 2023-2024 academic year via the returner application form (link will be updated once applications are live). We are asking all returning Meiklejohns to complete and submit their application by the April 7th deadline as well. Please reach out to your Meiklejohn Leader if you have any questions or concerns regarding reapplying. Returning Meiklejohns must meet all of the following criteria:
- You must have been in communication with your Meiklejohn Leader throughout this year and have been an active participant in advising with your advising partner and first-year advisees. (Your Meiklejohn Leader will have communicated with you if you have not been attending check-ins or communicating, so if you have NOT heard from your Leader, you need not worry about meeting this.)
- You must attend the group check-in with your leader during the Spring 2023 semester.
- You must complete the application form mentioned above.
Can I apply to be a Meiklejohn if I'm also interested in becoming a RPL, MPC, etc?
Training programs for RPLs, MPCs, and other peer advisors often conflict with mandatory meetings for Meiklejohn training. You are welcome to submit an application for more than one peer advising or mentoring program. If you are accepted into another peer advising program, please notify us by email at [email protected]. We will contact you once training dates have been set if scheduling conflicts arise. Applying to other peer advising programs will not hurt your chances of acceptance to the Meiklejohn Program, but please be aware of how large a time commitment it is to participate in both the RPL Program and the Meiklejohn Program at the same time. We particularly welcome applications from those who have been RPLs in the past.
Can I apply to be a Meiklejohn if I'm going abroad for one semester next year?
Yes, you can! If, however, you will be a new Meiklejohn studying abroad in the fall, your acceptance in the program may be deferred until the following year so you can participate in our Fall Orientation (we understand that much of this is in flux due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will follow guidance from the University's Office of International Programs). If you are accepted to the Meiklejohn Program, we will work to pair you with a "Co-Meik" who will work with your advising group in the semester you're away. Letting us know that you're planning on going abroad will not hurt your chances of acceptance to the program.
How are Meiklejohns and first-year advisors matched?
Meiklejohns are assigned to faculty and staff first-year advisors by the Advising Team in the Dean of the College office. When making assignments, the Advising Team attempts to give first-year students in each advising group a variety of perspectives on academic life at Brown. For that reason, you may be paired with an advising partner from a discipline with which you have little experience.
After Meiklejohns are accepted into the program, they will be given an opportunity to note a faculty or staff member who they would like to work with. We will notify the advisor to confirm that this is a good match. We do our best to accommodate first-year advisors who request specific Meiklejohns as their advising partners.
What if I don't know how to advise other students on academic matters?
Don't worry! All Meiklejohns go through a mandatory training session each semester. If you are accepted to the program, we will email you about training dates and times.
How do I confirm my participation in the Meiklejohn Program?
Successful applicants are notified of their acceptance via email and given access to the online confirmation form.
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us directly by emailing [email protected]. Thank you again for your interest in the Meiklejohn Peer Advising program!