|
|
|
Improving
Campus Life (page 3)
Her advisor
made one simple phone call and provided her with the necessary access code for
OASIS. Nesbitt never realized that her advisor was there to meet with her on a
regular basis to help her with the very problems and challenges she faced in constructing
her schedule and later her four-year college plan. ---- percent of students, according
to the survey, met with their advisors only once, indicating that the next time
that the OASIS code was needed, for example, second semester, it was most likely
obtained over the phone or by e-mail. Furthermore, students are not aware
of the benefits that the program should offer as a service to students. Freshmen
are only informed of the need to obtain their code instead of the overall guidance
that the advisor can provide to them. Therefore, students do not feel encouraged
to seek out the advisor when they have questions about courses, requirements,
and college career advice. The current program emphasizes the logistical aspects
over the interpersonal aspects. These
problems have repercussions with which student's later struggle. For example,
the way that the program is structured has commonly led to students' not graduating
on time, as evidenced by senior Mike Bracken's situation. In addition, students
often complete many more courses than are necessary in fulfilling requirements
as a result of their lack of knowledge that should be provided by advisors, a
problem to which senior Sara Alexander can attest. Solvency Given
the current problems regarding the advising system, we suggest implementing a
dynamic solution involving a peer-mentoring program and a comprehensive training
program for faculty advisors. The combination of the programs will help students
efficiently choose classes and ensure graduation in four years. This will enable
students to not only effectively plan their academic careers, but also foster
relationships with faculty members as well as other students in their major. Overall,
this will help facilitate a scholarly community within each major where students
can get to know each other, and give and receive advise. By utilizing both faculty
members and students for the mentoring program, the students have a much larger
base of knowledge in which to use when making important decisions. Continue
to page 4 of Improving campus Life, 5
|