Academic advisors create network of support for students
CEC academic advisors worked all summer to orientate new students and prepare to support all returning students for the school year.
Academic advisors create network of support for students
Coming into college the first year – or even the fourth year – can be challenging to navigate. That’s where college advisors come in.
Over the summer, the College of Engineering and Computing advising team organized new student orientation for hundreds of first-year, transfer, and international students entering the program.
“I am working with first year students this year, so I loved putting faces to names, and really introducing myself to the students,” said Bailey Rack, a CEC academic advisor.
It’s those relationships built with students from the jump that get students coming back to their advisors for help throughout the year and their entire college experience, according to Brian Kirkmeyer, who leads the academic advising staff for the college.
“I want students to be able to connect with us in a number of different ways, and realize it's not just a one time connection,” he said.
The advisors in CEC are employing several different methods of communication to their students to make those connections and foster those relationships. Some are connecting through email or messaging, while others are meeting for more in-depth sessions over Zoom or in-person. Kirkmeyer said the accessibility of students’ advisors leads to students being more comfortable reaching out in other ways or just dropping by for a quick chat.
“Developing the relationship is really the key,” Kirkmeyer said. “Students: Don't be afraid of developing that relationship. That's part of your network. We're part of your network, and you know our intent is to help you meet your goals, find success and get the type of start to your career, no matter which way it goes, as we can.”
Providing dedicated advisors for each of CEC’s four departments gives faculty more time to focus their efforts toward mentorship — and allows students more direct support.
“The role of an academic advisor extends beyond course scheduling; advisors encourage, educate, empower, challenge, mentor, refer, and so much more,” CEC academic advisor Sarah Dorr said. “It is important to meet students where they are by looking at a student holistically — not just academically, but also personally because these factors affect academic progression.”
Advisors also serve as “a conduit” for mentorship opportunities, Kirkmeyer said. CEC academic advisors can help students pursue faculty mentorships and make connections that drive their academic and career interests.
“I hope to share more positive vibes, helping students to connect to opportunities, to faculty members, and to being the best version of them possible," CEC senior academic advisor Wyatt Bischoff said.