The College of Communication Office of Student Affairs has been named an “Outstanding Advising Program” by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).
The College of Communication is one of only three institutions in the nation to be recognized Oct. 3 at NACADA annual conference in Orlando, Fla. The NACADA awards program annually recognizes advising programs that document innovative and exemplary practices resulting in improvement of academic advising service.
“I am delighted that the Office of Student Affairs has been recognized by NACADA. We strongly believe that the services and programs we provide are an integral and valuable part of each student’s experience in the College of Communication,” said Mark Bernstein, associate dean of the College of Communication and associate professor of communication sciences and disorders. “We have designed our philosophy and services to mix the convenience of technology with warm personal interaction, so that our programs are easy to access, enjoyable and effective.”
Personalized advising and technology are two of the key tools advisers use to connect students to their major, the college and the university. To build long-term personal relationships, students are assigned one adviser for the duration of their time as undergraduates in the college.
Technology is fundamental to this student-focused advising model. Social media, such as Facebook, Twitter and AIM, and the STudent Appointment Reservation system (STAR) are comfortable and convenient communication channels that put important information to students where they are most comfortable and make it easy to schedule advising appointments.
Since 1983, NACADA has honored individuals and institutions making significant contributions to the improvement of academic advising in higher education. The goal of NACADA is to promote quality academic advising and professional development of its membership to enhance the educational development of students.
