Embedded Files
Deeply entrenched communication barriers have resulted in the absence of a comprehensive and seamless advising and major selection communication system that adapts to students needs and empowers advisors with skills and support to successfully meet the needs of their advisees
Challenges according to our stakeholders
Challenges according to our stakeholders
Students
Students
Unsure of what to do or where to go
Withdraw and/or take unnecessary classes
Uninformed of academic opportunities
Increased frustrations and unpleasant experiences
Very challenging to find information on the website/information overload
Students are forced to choose a major upon entry--with very little support in exploring options
Need easy access to information
Desire interactions with someone who sees them as students and not as numbers
Improved processes in customer service
advisors
advisors
Desire a comprehensive training
Desire smaller caseloads in order to build a sense of belonging and community for students
Need a formal career/major exploration tool
Need stronger support from supervisors
Desire supervisors to make advising a priority instead of option
Need funding for professional development
SIGNIFICANT UNIVERSITY CONCERNS
SIGNIFICANT UNIVERSITY CONCERNS
These significant findings are critical enough to share as the University shifts to a more “student ready environment.”
Comprehensive Advisor Training
There is a need for Comprehensive Training and ongoing professional development for advisors. The training should be required for all advisors and include sessions pertaining to cultural sensitivity, cultural intelligence, and cross-cultural competencies, advising processes, and skills required to ensure successful cross-college major changes.
We want Advisors/Students to have access to necessary information in a timely, relevant manner to assist in making informed long-term decisions.
Adjustment to Advisor Caseloads
The need for a smaller, more equitable advisor caseload that allows advisors to have quality time to provide a more welcoming environment during the advising session.
Current caseloads for 1 advisor range from 700 students to 25 students
Ideal Caseload: 1 advisor to 200 students. 20,000 undergraduates = 100 advisors
Major Exploration Process and Tool
There is a lack of a comprehensive and consistent approach to assist students with major selection.
If the student thinks they want a major, they are sent directly to that department, however, those advisors don't explore the major with the student. Advisors expect students to already “know” what they want, how to do it, policies & procedures, etc.
If they are truly undecided they are forced to select leadership for financial aid purposes and the Center for Major Exploration will guide them through a process, but there is no assessment tool available to support this. Meanwhile, national data shows that 80% of students in college change their major multiple times.
Work Collaboratively Across Units
Although academic and university units have valuable information and resources, due to the lack of comprehensive coordination of the implementation of services and dissemination of information, students find difficulty in accessing and utilizing services and resources
monarch nation = great communication!
monarch nation = great communication!
Page updated
Report abuse