A new program in residence halls is expected to make academic advisers more accessible and bring them closer to students.
“It’s an effort to help students connect with academic advisers and bridge the gap to make advisers more visible to students,” said Matt Webb, director of Program Advisement in the College of Health ‘ Human Services.
Currently advisers are stationed in room 126 of Ashley Hall in the Kreischer Quadrangle and room 131 of McDonald West Mondays through Thursdays. Hours and colleges represented vary depending on days and locations.
According to Webb, the program can be especially helpful for students who don’t know who to turn to for a general question.
“Satellite advising is a way to reach out to students who don’t know who to contact or may be switching majors,” he said. “This program is convenient because students can find an adviser and talk about typical academic questions. We can help point students in the right direction.”
The program is a collaboration on the part of many people at the University including Academic and Student Affairs staff and advisers, Residence Life staff and members of the Office of Academic Achievement. Other institutions like Miami University have similar programs already, said Marcos Rivera, co-director for the Office of Student Academic Achievement.
As preparation for next semester nears, more students are expected to use the program, Webb said.
“I don’t think students are fully aware of it yet, and overall not a lot of students are seeking advising at this time, but we hope to see more students use this program as it comes closer to spring registration,” he said.
According to Rivera, more usage is expected with greater publicity of the service as well.
“The goal right now is to see that the initiative is successful,” he said. “Our goal is not to substitute but to supplement what is already available to students and provide greater access of academic advisers to the residential community.”
Advisers are optimistic about the program.
“We are very excited about the initiative and encourage students to come,” said Cindy Colvin, associate director of student services in the College of Arts ‘ Sciences.
McDonald West will have an open house Sept. 28 promoting the advising offices as will Ashley hall on Sept. 29.
There are no plans to expand the service to other halls.
