Peer Listener

Peer Listeners are here to provide active listening and promote empathy, create meaningful spaces for connection, and create moments of social connection within the campus community. PLs are trained and supported by Community Health Promotion and are not a substitute for therapy. They are here to listen, support, and provide resources on topics related to everyday aspects of the student experience. Students in need of clinical services or in crisis should contact the Counseling Center and seek a licensed professional.

There are several ways to connect with a Peer Listener! The easiest is to schedule an appointment online. You can also email them at peerlistening@hamilton.edu. We have a skilled group of Peer Listeners waiting to help.

The Peer Listening Program is dedicated to improving the overall well-being and resiliency of our fellow students on the Hill. One of the ways we serve the campus community is through programming to support social connection (food trucks, tabling, etc.). If you have an idea or are interested in collaborating with the PLs on a community-building program, please email us.

Being a Peer Listener can provide valuable experience with active listening and outreach skills, a unique experience for your graduate school resume, and a meaningful opportunity to help your fellow students. Those who would be a good fit for the program are: strong leaders on campus, skilled in listening and providing empathic support to others, enthusiastic about designing and facilitating programs for the campus community and work effectively within a collaborative team environment. The program recruits a new training class each spring.

Katie is the Director of Health Promotion and supervisor of the Peer Counseling Program. She is excited to work with the PC’s on connection-building efforts and being part of a community of care on campus.

Sarah is a 2016 graduate who majored in comparative literature. After speaking with peers as well as researching equivalent programs at other colleges and universities, Sarah, in collaboration with the Counseling Center, created a program uniquely suited to the diverse needs of the Hamilton student body. She played on the rugby team and was a member of the Hamilton College Orchestra during her time on campus.

A member of the first Peer Counseling class, Isabel worked with our staff counselors to create the training manual. She received an Emerson grant to research Peer Counseling at other schools and universities, co-write the manual, and help plan training and other aspects of the program. Isabel was a Psychology and Creative Writing double major interested in increasing the accessibility of mental health services.