Undergrad Advising Committee
What majors do you advise in your college/department?
All teacher prep programs including graduate, undergraduate, and minor options.
What led you to your current position of Advising?
I took an entry-level position in Student Services in 1995 just as UF decided to move lower-division students - and advising responsibilities - to the colleges. My supervisor took me with her to UAC meetings (when its membership was the deans and directors of advising offices) and that was so helpful to my understanding of policies…and grey areas to exploit when necessary.
What challenges do you feel you have when advising students in this major?
Probably the biggest challenge is when a student wants to change to an education major – and it’s clearly what they’re most passionate about - but there is resistance from family members who don’ts support that decision. Negotiating family politics while trying to justify/defend the student’s choice can be tricky.
Can you give us an example of one of your success stories?
My favorite success stories involve students who completely bomb, go away, grow up, and decide they want to come back. The most recent returned three years ago after a successful retroactive withdrawal, and will be graduating this semester with her master’s degree. The success story is entirely hers; my role was to convince her that she could do it. She’s going to be a phenomenal teacher!
What’s your favorite thing about interacting with students as an Academic Advisor?
Being the only undergraduate advisor, I have the luxury of getting to know my students while they’re here. I like that they find me a reliable resource they can trust to help them navigate through the mayhem.
What do you do to keep motivated during high stress times at work (drop/add week, advanced registration, etc.)?
Wait, you mean there are low-stress times? As if! A day in the life of an advisor is a series of random encounters, interrupted by ongoing projects and meetings, interrupted by another series of random encounters. I hit the reset button every two weeks with an hour-long massage. Highly recommended!
If you feel comfortable, tell us your story.
I was admitted to UF as a freshman in Summer 1983 (stop doing the math…yes I’m that old…shush) fresh from Umatilla High School. Wow was I underprepared. I completely bombed, went away, grew up, and was determined to come back. I completed my bachelor’s degree part-time while working full-time and graduated with honors. I learned every rule/regulation/policy and every grey area to exploit. My experience helps inform my interactions with students.