Southwestern College Collegian

Issue date: 3/26/08 Section: Collegian Front Page

Graduating is a goal we all come to college with. Choosing classes for each semester is important because they're the classes that lead to that goal. The advising process is one of those times when students do agree with the current system. Stuart Mann, digital arts sophomore, has had a good experience with his general adviser, Michael Tessmer, assistant professor of chemistry. "He has kept me in line and made sure that I have done everything on time," said Mann. Other students are just as fortunate. Carmon Bliss, elementary education junior, said she has also had a good experience with her general adviser. Her general adviser was Chris Schmitz, director of bands. Bliss said, "He had some questions at some points of what classes I was supposed to take. He always called other references to make sure I was on track." Bliss switched over to her major adviser Richard Bicker, associate professor of education, after she was sure she wanted to major in elementary education. "Mr. Bicker is always fully prepared before our meetings and he always presents me with a checklist of what I have taken and what classes I need to take in order to graduate on time." Rebecca Richmond, nursing senior, was assigned to a nursing professor when she came in to college. She said, "At first I thought it was weird because we were all told that we wouldn't have an adviser from our major until our junior year. I suppose I was assigned to her though because I came in with 18 credit hours, so I was already a semester ahead. She has been a great adviser for me." Greg Jeffers, athletic training sophomore, was assigned Lisa Braun, director of athletic training education. He said, "She is always giving me plenty of advice and information on classes and my academic plan." There are students whose experiences with their general advisers weren't positive. Lyndsie Oathout, biology sophomore, was one of these students. She said, "To be honest I have had a not so great experience with the advising system. I had an adviser who didn't really help tell me what courses I needed to take in order to graduate with my degree. When course selection came I couldn't ever get a hold of my adviser. I would stop by their office, e-mail, and sometimes even call. I would maybe get a reply back a few days later, but by that time it was too late. I ended up switching my adviser and it was much easier to get a hold of them and get my questions answered." Mann said, "He (Tessmer) writes me all the time wondering how my classes are and he just keeps track of me. He makes sure I get all the classes I need to take to get my degree and helps me space them out so I'm not overwhelmed in my semester." Bliss is unsure about the effectiveness of the current system. Bliss said, "I feel like I have been very lucky in who my advisers have been. Sometimes I question whether or not the system is effective, but the education program has a black and white graduation plan so it turned out great for me." Mann said the current system works. "I think that the advising system that we have right now is good for the students. Some students might be lazy or just procrastinate and the advisers help keep them in line by e-mailing them when they can come in and look at classes with them." Richmond said she thinks the system needs some tweaking. "Some of my friends haven't had the same experience as I have had. I know that their adviser wasn't really knowledgeable about their major and requirements and so they actually got behind in taking classes due to that." Jeffers said he thinks the system works properly when the advisers take time to prepare and learn about the different classes. He said, "I think the system could be revised to provide better services to the students." Oathout said the current system could be revised. She said, "To tell you the truth I really don't think the advising system we have is all that great. Now that we apply for our courses online, it still seems that our advisers seem to think that's all we need. But I know that for myself, and I'm assuming most students, would like to have someone who helps guide us through that course selection process and all around guiding us to our desired ends." Jessica Bernhardt is a junior majoring in journalism. You may e-mail her at jessica.bernhardt@sckans.edu

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