Academic Advising Spotlight: The GPS for Navigating College

Even for the most prepared college students, it can’t hurt to have a little help navigating the way.

That’s where Emmanuel’s Office of Academic Advising comes in: they provide the guidance and guardrails that allow Saints to grow as students and approach college in a way that works the best for them.

Advising is Emmanuel students’ frontline resource for finding their direction as undergraduates, starting with transitioning in smoothly from high school and then building a comprehensive plan for their college journey that they can visualize throughout their experience.

Emmanuel’s advisors lead with a “much more intentional” advising style, Griffith said, which goes beyond just academics. They teach students how to lean heavily into the tight-knit community that Emmanuel has to offer – how to take advantage of the tools available to them as students and how to work cohesively with all of the people that are committed to student success.

“These four years go by so quickly,” she said. “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. You are here to be challenged!”

Three Advising Tips to Start Strong as a Saint

Always check your email and be responsive.
Read your syllabi!
Be open to constructive criticism and feedback.

Senior Academic Advisor Susan Aguiar '06, G'17, speaks with her advisee.

Mapping Out the Journey

At Emmanuel, every student's Academic Plan is different: tailored to fit their interests, major and minor aspirations and post-graduation goals.

During the first two years at Emmanuel, Academic Advisors work with students to lay the groundwork for academic progression at Emmanuel – which includes course selection and building an academic plan. They also help to connect a student’s interests and passions with the courses they select, leading into selecting a major in the second semester of sophomore year.

Walking through that process with an advisor is particularly helpful for students that aren’t completely sold on one major: their advisor can provide suggestions and plot a pathway that helps students make their decision.

That first year, comprised of both one-on-one and group advising meetings, includes learning about major and college requirements as well as getting the lay of the land when it comes to what students need to graduate, said Academic Advisor Chris Willox. In sophomore year, students dive into the major declaration process and lay out their Academic Plan, which allows them to prepare holistically for what’s ahead and fully visualize their undergraduate journey.

Emmanuel’s academic support system is so tight-knit that students can’t slip through the cracks – the answers they need are often right around the corner. The Office of Academic Advising works in the same way, collaborating seamlessly with other offices on campus to ensure students feel supported.

“They can come to advising with anything – there’s no such thing as a silly question. We can connect them with whatever they need, academic or not," Willox said.

What is your Advising 'hot take'?

"It's okay to be stressed at times because it means that you care – and it's completely normal to feel that way, so don't be afraid to welcome that feeling," Willox added.

Comprehensive Student Support

From the very first touchpoint between Academic Advising and first-year Emmanuel students, the College’s Academic Advisors are ever-present.

“We meet students right at their new student orientation,” said Senior Academic Advisor Susan Aguiar ’06, G’17. “From the moment they deposit, we’re here to answer their questions, whether it’s about scheduling, transfer credits, or just general college life.”

Combined, the College’s advisors have a wealth of knowledge on the college process, with over 30 years of experience to draw from.

No matter what the concern may be, chances are that advisors have the fix – or they can connect students with whoever does.

“We’re more than just the people you come to for class registration,” Aguiar said, “we’re here to help students achieve their goals, overcome challenges, and make the most of their Emmanuel experience.”

Learn more from Aguiar about the Office of Academic Advising and about Emmanuel's "Community of Care" here.