By Published: Nov. 29, 2017

Some students arrive at the university with their careers carefully planned. Others arrive knowing they will receive a great education but less aware of all their academic options.

Dean White

James W.C. White

Academic advisors serve everyone on that continuum, and the College of Arts and Sciences is committed to improving the experience for all. There are several reasons to do this, but the first is most compelling: It’s the right thing to do. 

Good advising helps more students stay enrolled, earn their degrees and lead fuller lives.

In recent years, the college’s Academic Advising Center has evolved. It also has a new assistant dean for academic advising and student success, Cindy Justice, who brings a wealth of experience, leadership and vision.

The college intends to improve advising by stabilizing a budget structure that has historically restricted the organization’s options, and by adding additional advising staff in the coming year to make it easier for every student to see an advisor.

Meantime, the college is redoubling efforts to create connections between departments and advising staff that facilitate easy communication and access to curricular and other information that students need.

Our students have all the right stuff to succeed, but they can sometimes soar higher with a little help from their friends.

James W.C. White is interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.