Issue #4 Fall 2009
University Advising - Taking Advising to New Heights
Stephanie Hamblin, Director, University Advising Office

The University Advising Center remains steadfast in its commitment to providing the most effective advising for students who have not yet chosen a major or who are working toward matriculating into a desired major.   This student population presents a unique set of challenges, as opposed to students who have already declared their major.  Lack of an established plan for completing a degree program remains a significant contributing factor to decreased retention of this student population.   As of Fall Semester 2009, seven advisors in the University Advising Office advise these 3,500-plus students.  With a decrease in office personnel, prior budget cuts, and necessary fiscal restraint, University Advising was forced to take a closer look at the delivery of advising services.

Pete Campbell, Advisor and Robert Hall, Undeclared Business student heading toward Accounting

An advising “Think Tank” was created to examine current advising practices within University Advising, identify creative strategies for delivery of service, and implement the most effective advising program designed to meet the unique needs of this student population.  Research indicates that rate of graduation is increased when a student makes at least one significant connection with a campus professional.   At Utah State, that connection is most likely made between a student and an advisor.  Given the number and varying differences amongst students supported by the University Advising Office, it was determined that Advising Groups would be established for each unique population.  For example, the undeclared freshmen (0 to 24 credits) would be assigned to one advisor.  Undeclared sophomores (25 to 48 credits) would be assigned to a separate advisor, 49-plus credits to yet another advisor and so forth.  To reduce advisor workload, students placed on academic action would be supported by administrative staff support.  Under this model, advisors will develop a myopic focus on their specific student population, design and implement specific advising activities, and collect data to demonstrate the effectiveness of the individual advisor’s “program.”  In return, this student population will receive targeted advising services specific to their needs and goals. 

The University Advising Office remains committed in developing student-centered advising programs and services designed to take advising to new heights. For a complete description of the University Advising Office’s innovative approach to advising, please contact Stephanie Hamblin at (435) 797-3373 or stephanie.hamblin@usu.edu.

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