Interviews with the advisors: Another point of view on advising at UAA

To gauge the advising system at UAA through the eyes of the advisors themselves, TNL conducted interviews with four advisors from different UAA colleges. These interviews brought light to important aspects of advising and gave new insights on how students can utilize their advisors.

College of Health advisor Jennifer Spencer said that the most important way for a student to prepare for an advising appointment is by “looking over … the website of the program that they’re interested in” and having questions prepared – both general questions or those of more immediate concern.

“Don’t be afraid to ask us questions,” said Spencer.

To prepare for an advising appointment, Whitney Flores, who advises for the Community and Technical College as well as the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Administration program, said that “it really depends on what the student is needing advising for.” She pointed to tools such as DegreeWorks and Navigate that can help students come up with ideas and questions before an advising appointment. 

In certain cases, students need to have documentation ready – especially in a high-stakes time like an academic appeal. To get the most out of advising, Flores recommends that students “do regular check-ins, have a good working relationship with [their advisor]” and be responsive when their advisor reaches out. 

Flores warned against self-advising or relying on friends for advising. Academic advisors are “program experts” who “understand the ins and outs and nuances of those particular programs” in a way that a friend or family member likely doesn’t.

College of Arts and Sciences advisor Leslie Olberding said she knows “that sometimes students have a hard time opening up, especially if they haven’t met [their advisor].” 

She said to keep in mind that advisors are a “safe space” and that there is “no judgment.” 

Olberding said that students should give advisors an explanation of what they need beforehand – either by email or by the information box that is available when making an appointment online. 

Christine Hunt, also of the College of Arts and Sciences, said that having an objective for speaking with an advisor is important. Whether that objective is education or career related, Hunt said it is always good to touch base with your advisor.

“Going through college is scary and exciting… so, it’s just our job to help you guys figure out what the best route is for you and – no matter what anybody says – it’s your life and [we’re] advocating for you guys as students.” 

Regarding “Advising 2.0” – the new advising system coming into place in the fall semester – these advisors all said that it will hopefully advance student interests. They highlighted streamlined advising practices and new administrative channels through which to communicate. The new system will centralize advising under the Office of Student Success and even-out advisor workloads. No advisor voiced any specific issues with the advising system as it stands.

To find advisor information, students can visit the UAA advising webpage or log into the Navigate advising website or app with their student credentials.

The Northern Light will be following up with more stories on advising at UAA.

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