Since gaining tenure in 2019, I have averaged 55 advisees per semester.
In the fall 2023 semester, I had advising appointments with all of my assigned advisees (which currently stands at 85 students and has averaged 59 students per semester since I started at Adelphi in 2013). I have also spent a significant amount of time meeting with many of our incoming first-year and transfer students over the summer months (26 students during the summer of 2023) assisting in their registration for the fall semesters.
While my advising workload is significant, I truly feel that the individualized attention that our program gives each student in regards to their academic advisement helps to foster a positive working relationship with them and aids us in maintaining very high student retention rates within the Exercise Science major..
Additionally, the individualized approach that we take to advising our students often goes well beyond the simple task of advising them what classes are appropriate for them each semester. I view my role as being more like a mentor to our students rather than just an academic advisor. To illustrate that point, please see the messages below that I have received from students over the past few semesters:
“Good Afternoon Professor,
I just wanna say thank you for all your help the past couple of semesters and most importantly, thank you for encouraging and believing in me that I would pass ex Phys. I actually received a B- for that class, which was better than what I anticipated. So thank you for your support! I have a tendency to doubt myself, and after the accident, I was just a mess. Thank you so much again for all your help and for a great semester. “
“Good morning Professor! I’ve known since Wednesday just haven’t gotten around to emailing you, but I passed! And got a B in the course!! I’m gonna stick with the ex science degree and go about the fall as indicated on my registration for fall semester page. Thank you for meeting with me the other day to discuss other options but I’m good just where I am now! See you in the fall and enjoy the rest of the summer!”
The following email was sent to President Riordan from one of my former students who has gone on to receive his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from NYIT. President Riordan was kind enough to share this message with me after she received it:
"Hello President Riordan,
My name is Justin Baharally and I am a Senior Exercise Science student pursuing my Doctorate in Physical Therapy after my time at Adelphi. I am writing on behalf of Dr. John Petrizzo, Professor in the Department of Exercise Science.
I wanted to say a few words about my love for this professor before I graduate. If it was not for him, I would not be where I am today. Dr. Petrizzo is an excellent role model with an unmatched work ethic. To this point in my academic career, I have yet to meet someone who does as much as he does. His constant support for his students is very refreshing. He helped me find my passion in life, and continues to guide me towards my goals. His constant support has kept me motivated and kept me moving in the right direction. He is always available for his students, taking the time out of his busy schedule to make sure we understand what we are learning. I genuinely have enjoyed every class I have taken with Dr. Petrizzo. He teaches in a way that encourages me to learn for the sake of learning, rather than learn to pass a test. Dr. Petrizzo wants us to be the best that we can be as both students and future professionals. Thanks to Dr. Petrizzo, I am stronger than ever, both physically and mentally. With everything he has done for me, I only wish him the best in life. He deserves that and so much more.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope that Dr. Petrizzo gets the recognition he deserves.
Thank you,
Justin Baharally"
Messages of support such as the ones above let me know that I am doing the very best that I can for our students both in and out of the classroom. Working closely with our students throughout their time at Adelphi is something that I take seriously and I look forward to continuing my role as both an advisor and mentor in the years to come.