Peer Advisors | Department of Political Science

Peer Advisors are upper-level students who are well-trained in the academic requirements for both Political Science and Legal Studies majors. They offer you not only technical information, but also an invaluable student perspective. Peer Advisors will not tell you which classes to take or avoid, but they can help you think about your interests and design a course schedule that serves your needs.

Services provided by Peer Advisors

Review requirements
Declaring major/minor
Using Spire and Schedule Builder
Reading your ARR (Academic Records Report)
Course registration
On-campus life

Meet the Peer Advisors

Ramona Ansong

Hey Everyone! My name is Ramona Ansong and I am currently a senior pursuing a dual degree in Legal Studies and Public Health, as well as, a member of the Commonwealth Honors College at UMass. I served as a peer advisor last year and I am so excited to be back again with the Legal Studies & Political Science team for this upcoming academic year. My academic interests include looking at the role of law as a social determinant to health, with a focus on disadvantaged communities. As part of my independent research for my honors thesis, I intend to further explore this topic. Throughout my time here at UMass I have been involved in organizations such as CMASS, UWiL, and Student Residential Services where I serve as a Residential Assistant. Outside of school I am very involved in cultural organizations such as UMass BASIC, UMass ASA, and UMass SheIsGoals! If you have any questions about these organizations or things relating to our department feel free to stop by! I look forward to seeing you all this upcoming semester!

Megan Di Giovanni

Hello! My name is Megan and I am one of your peer advisors for the 2023-2024 school year! I am a senior majoring in Political Science and minoring in Natural Resources Conservation. I am also a member of the Commonwealth Honors College. I am seeking my Master's in Public Policy for the next two years, which I will earn from UMass through the 4+1 program. I am super excited to join this wonderful team of advisors and peers that only have one goal: to help you succeed! My interests in politics and policy revolve mostly around elections and gender policy. I am currently working on a thesis researching international abortion policies and the consequences these laws have in regards to the liberal international order. I have a background in the US government process, whether through campaigns or lobbying. This last summer, I also had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Ireland. When I am not studying, you can find me on Boyden Fields playing with the UMass Women's Frisbee team. I also am an active member in MASSPIRG, the Concert Band, Sunrise, and UMass Democrats. In my free time, I volunteer at the school's herbarium, hammock by the pond with a good book, or watch the latest show on the streaming services. I love UMass and the Political Science Department, and I cannot wait to meet all of you in the office!! Go UMass

Jack LeBrun

Hi there! I am a senior in the Commonwealth Honors College double majoring in Legal Studies and Psychology. Last Spring I joined the advising team as an intern and I am honored to be a peer advisor this year! My academic interests are based around the concept of Conflict and how different factors like power, justice, trauma, and personal values can become intertwined during dispute resolution processes. On campus, I am an avid intramural sports athlete, part of the Real Estate Club, and enjoy perusing the beautiful art gallery’s found around campus. When I am not at UMass, I work as a Realtor for Demakis Family Real Estate and Legal Intern for Fogarty Law, both based on the South Shore of Massachusetts.

Interested in becoming a Peer Advisor?

Peer advising is a challenging and rewarding commitment. If you are a Political Science or Legal Studies major and interested in becoming a departmental Peer Advisor, please email the Director of Undergraduate Advising: Adrian Grace.

Meet the Peer Interns

Prior to becoming a peer advisor, students spend a semester as a peer intern, for which they earn one academic credit. Interns attend weekly staff meetings, observe peer and staff advisor appointments, learn about major requirements and department/campus resources, and participate in department programming.