2008 Woodie Awards
Advising Email
Rachel Broyles
Rachel Broyles
Issue date: 10/9/07 Section: News
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ADVISING
By Rachel Broyles
Contributing Writer
924158338@gsc.edu
A new computer program that assigns students to advisors displays the changes made by the GSC advising department this semester to benefit both students and faculty.
The program, developed by Rick Crane and Susan Daniell, makes the procedure more efficient. "The manual process used to take us weeks," said Michelle Gilstrap, an academic advisor. According to Gilstrap, professors are now assigned a group of students through the computer program, which is designed to give each professor a more equitable load. The objective is to provide better access to an advisor for students, while keeping the advisors from becoming overwhelmed.
In other measures to help the faculty, an online tutorial has been put in place for new professors to assess their knowledge of the GSC curriculum. This faculty tutorial on e-learning is the first of its kind encountered by the advising department. "I haven't heard of this sort of thing at another college," Gilstrap said. "This is breaking the mold."
Two new additions joined the advising department this semester. Rynda Ellis transferred to the department from the University Center. Charles Bell has a background in political science.
There is plenty going on for the students this semester as well. Academic Success Workshops are provided for students who are coming off academic probation or who have a GPA less than 2.0. These workshops are designed to help students with study skills, time management, test anxiety and other general academic issues. The old format of helping students one on one was not giving the advisors enough time to help all the students. "Never get overwhelmed," said Brenda Perry, the interim director of academic advising. "It's all about helping students become successful."
The Early Alert Program was created to monitor the success of new students at GSC. The faculty is sent a notice with a list of all first semester students to identify students who may need academic help. This program should benefit students who might not otherwise ask for help. "But you should get help at the first sign of trouble," Gilstrap stressed. "Remember," Perry added, "that the faculty members here are people, too."
By Rachel Broyles
Contributing Writer
924158338@gsc.edu
A new computer program that assigns students to advisors displays the changes made by the GSC advising department this semester to benefit both students and faculty.
The program, developed by Rick Crane and Susan Daniell, makes the procedure more efficient. "The manual process used to take us weeks," said Michelle Gilstrap, an academic advisor. According to Gilstrap, professors are now assigned a group of students through the computer program, which is designed to give each professor a more equitable load. The objective is to provide better access to an advisor for students, while keeping the advisors from becoming overwhelmed.
In other measures to help the faculty, an online tutorial has been put in place for new professors to assess their knowledge of the GSC curriculum. This faculty tutorial on e-learning is the first of its kind encountered by the advising department. "I haven't heard of this sort of thing at another college," Gilstrap said. "This is breaking the mold."
Two new additions joined the advising department this semester. Rynda Ellis transferred to the department from the University Center. Charles Bell has a background in political science.
There is plenty going on for the students this semester as well. Academic Success Workshops are provided for students who are coming off academic probation or who have a GPA less than 2.0. These workshops are designed to help students with study skills, time management, test anxiety and other general academic issues. The old format of helping students one on one was not giving the advisors enough time to help all the students. "Never get overwhelmed," said Brenda Perry, the interim director of academic advising. "It's all about helping students become successful."
The Early Alert Program was created to monitor the success of new students at GSC. The faculty is sent a notice with a list of all first semester students to identify students who may need academic help. This program should benefit students who might not otherwise ask for help. "But you should get help at the first sign of trouble," Gilstrap stressed. "Remember," Perry added, "that the faculty members here are people, too."
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