As part of Global Advising Week, NIU recently asked undergraduate students to share notes of appreciation for their advisors, and the response was overwhelming. More than 200 students shared their thanks and positive sentiments for the support and guidance provided by NIU’s advisors.
Student comments included:
“Your belief in my potential has been a constant source of motivation.”
“You truly have a special way of making every student feel welcome, heard, supported and not alone.”
“Thank you for helping me get back on track after I fell behind, and for sticking with me and helping me through hard times.”
“Your support has made my transition into NIU as a transfer student smooth. You have truly made all the difference in my experience as a first-generation student with limited knowledge and resources navigating higher education.”
“Throughout my time here at NIU I have been able to depend on you to keep me on the right path. I can’t thank you enough for your help and patience in getting me to where I am now. I am doing what I should be doing with my life now and you have been a big part of that.”
NIU formed the Academic Advising Council this academic year, creating two-way communication between academic advisors and the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost for offering feedback on issues and needs of advisors, improving networking among advisors and promoting leadership, training and professional development opportunities for advisors.
The council’s executive committee includes representatives from each of the six undergraduate colleges and the Academic Advising Center, one representative from faculty advisors and one representative from the supplemental roster of advisors including University Honors, CHANCE, Student Athlete Academic Support Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning, Pre-Health advising director, TRIO and International Affairs.
“I am proud of the work the Academic Advising Council has been able to get started during this first year – fostering community, enhancing advisor development and providing valuable feedback to campus leadership,” Megan Woodruff, Academic Advising Council chair and advisor in the College of Business said. “I’m genuinely excited for what’s ahead and the growing impact we can have as we build on this first year. Reading through some of the student thank you notes shows how advisors have supported and guided them, sometimes in life changing ways, and helps reminds us exactly why we’re here.”
NIU undergraduate students connect with several academic advisors during their time as Huskies, starting with a first-year advisor and then connecting with college, department and specific program advisors to ensure their success.
“Academic advisors play a key role in student success, and we are thankful for their meaningful contributions through their work at NIU,” Executive Vice President and Provost Laurie Elish-Piper said. “It is great to see the positive feedback from students, and we echo their sentiments on a job well done by our advisors.”
“Advisors provide encouraging conversations, direction on courses and majors, guidance on the education process and so much more. We are thankful for their continual efforts and support for students here at NIU,” Alicia Schatteman, vice provost for Academic Affairs said.
