A Community of Care: Emmanuel College’s Academic Advising Program

In the first installment of this year’s Emmanuel College Spotlight Series, themed “Community of Care” and presented by Alumni Relations, Susan Aguiar, Senior Academic Advisor at Emmanuel College, shared detailed insights into the College’s Academic Advising program.

Aguiar, who has been with Emmanuel since 2008, highlighted the integral role academic advisors play in supporting students throughout their college journey, ensuring they meet their academic and personal goals.

A double Alumna of Emmanuel with a BA in History (2006) and a Master of Science in Management (2017), Aguiar emphasized the importance of meeting students where they are. “Our goal is to help students navigate their four years at Emmanuel and guide them toward graduation,” she said. “We’re here to support them academically, personally, and professionally.”

A Personalized Approach to Advising

Emmanuel College employs a professional advising model, where students work with academic advisors during their first two years before transitioning to faculty advisors in their chosen majors. Advisors like Aguiar serve as the first point of contact for incoming students, helping them with course selection, academic planning, and connecting them to campus resources.

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

The advising team takes a proactive approach, holding group meetings throughout the first year to discuss academic policies, registration, and developing a four-year academic plan. “We don’t expect every student to have their entire college journey mapped out,” Aguiar noted. “But having a plan, even a draft, can alleviate a lot of anxiety and help students see the path to graduation.”

Supporting Students Beyond Academics

Aguiar stressed that academic advising at Emmanuel goes beyond course selection. Advisors work closely with students to address challenges such as adjusting to college life, balancing work and family responsibilities, and navigating personal struggles.

“We’re here to listen and connect students to the resources they need,” she said. “Whether it’s the Academic Resource Center for tutoring, the Counseling Center for mental health support, or the Career Center for job opportunities, we make sure students know they’re not alone.”

For first-generation college students, commuters, and international students, this support is especially critical. Aguiar, a first-generation college student herself, understands the unique challenges these students face. “Having someone who’s gone through a similar experience can make a big difference,” she said.

Nursing Students and Dual Advising

Emmanuel’s nursing program follows a unique dual advising model. Nursing students work with both a general academic advisor and a nursing faculty advisor throughout all four years. This approach ensures they receive specialized guidance as they prepare for clinicals, licensure exams, and their careers.

“Nursing students have a lot on their plates,” Aguiar said. “By having both advisors, we can provide the support they need to succeed academically and professionally.”

Celebrating Milestones

One of the highlights of the advising program is the annual Sophomore Pinning Ceremony, a tradition since 1997. The event celebrates students’ declaration of their majors and marks the halfway point of their college journey.

“It’s like a mini commencement,” Aguiar said. “Students receive a pin with the college seal, walk across the stage, and are welcomed into their major by faculty. It’s a special way to recognize their hard work and commitment.”

A Commitment to Student Success

Aguiar’s presentation underscored the advising team’s dedication to student success. From helping students on academic probation create recovery plans to guiding those interested in study abroad programs, scholarships, or research opportunities, advisors are deeply invested in their students’ growth.

“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.”

The Academic Advising program at Emmanuel College exemplifies the institution’s commitment to fostering a community of care. As Aguiar concluded, “At Emmanuel, we’re here to make sure every student feels supported and empowered to succeed.”