College of Health and Human Services Advising Center group (from left) are Matt Webb, director; Chris Gebers, secretary; Amanda Bowling, graduate student in College Student Personnel; and Nancy Andrade, administrative assistant.

The college's advising center was named co-winner of a University award for its outstanding advising projects.

Director Matt Webb and staff members Louise Kimpel, academic advisor and nursing coordinator; Nancy Andrade, administrative assistant; and Chris Gebers, secretary, along with advisors Melissa Tag and Mackenzie Wysong, both College Student Personnel graduate students, say they strive to be a “friendly, caring partner for our students as they navigate the academic environment at BGSU.”

The college follows a dual advising model in which advising staff work primarily with first- and second-year students in the areas of career exploration and academic success. Faculty advisors employ their expertise in working with upperclassmen who have chosen a major.

The college implemented mandatory advising for first-year students during 2004-05, a year ahead of the University-wide initiative. “Doing so has strengthened our awareness of each student's particular concerns and has created an environment where students are more comfortable approaching and working with the staff in our office,” according to the team members.

Given the competitive nature of some of the college's programs, effective advising is important to retention and to helping some students find alternate programs where necessary.

Advising Center staff teach two sections of UNIV 100-University Success courses, which they view as an extension of their advising relationship with students. The staff also offers a one-hour course to students on academic probation, geared to providing intensive support to students with low grade-point averages.

Student feedback has been positive. Described by students as “friendly, honest and trustworthy,” the staff, from the director to the secretaries, won praise for their approachability and caring attitude.

“When I first came to BGSU, I thought I would feel very uncomfortable and lost when it came to figuring out my academic pathway. I didn't feel that way for long, because the very first day of orientation, I met with my academic advisor,” wrote Nicholas Reinmeyer. “From that point on, the task . . . was not difficult at all. . . . The amount of help given to me and the courtesy with which it was given has been incredible for me throughout my college career.”

“Over the past four years, the advisors and staff at the College of Health and Human Services have been a joy to work with,” wrote Gina Ulm. “As a student who plans to further her education past an undergraduate degree toward a doctoral degree in physical therapy, it was important to me to graduate in four years, and the staff . . . made it a point to help me fulfill my goal.”

“It is easy to see they take pride in what they do and it is evident in the work they accomplish and the relationships they build. They are a wonderful asset to my education and experience here at BG,” summed up Kari Harter.