On Wednesday, the Offices of the Dean of Students held a town hall meeting to discuss exactly how they would use the $1.5 million that has been appropriated for student services. During the town meeting, many good ideas were floated around dealing with student leadership, textbook resources, and faculty retention concerns.
One of the biggest shortcomings of this fine university was also addressed; the underwhelming advising programs we have on campus. Though it has moments of adequacy, most students feel the advising services on campus leave them without the information needed to graduate, let alone help prepare them for the daunting future ahead. $1.5 million is a large sum of money with a great amount of potential, but it must be spent wisely.
The appropriated funds for student services should focus on a long-term plan geared at revamping how advising is done here at UW, rather than supplementing the current advising situation with a bigger staff. Currently, the University often relies on members of the faculty as well as an army of peer advisors to help students make important decisions. So far, this plan has been passable, but could stand for some serious improvement.
One proposal for improving student services was for the University to use money to hire peer advisors or pay new student graduates to be advisors. While both plans would theoretically lighten the loads placed on the current advising team, they still would not address the main problems with advising on campus.
The focus of the funds should be dedicated to hiring qualified professionals who want to help students succeed academically, which will give us the most mileage for the dollar. The current advising system falters because there just aren't enough resources to go around. Most advisors are professors or faculty first, with other responsibilities. They should be commended for working as advisors out of want to be helpful, but as a student body, we need more help. Paying people who are not qualified and dedicated to helping students through their undergraduate careers is just a way to throw away a potentially great investment.
Investing in a quality advising team will also help to secure a network of advisors for the future. Paid peer advisors would only work during their tenure as students and maybe a few after graduation, and then leave with their knowledge of the academic system here on campus. The network is integral to a good advising programs, advisors making contacts amongst students and gaining knowledge of the system. After some time, advisors will be able to refer students to other students who have been through similar situations, enriching the whole advising experience.
We need to view the student services part of the budget as an investment for the students. Proper advising will lead to a better overall educational experience.
yes"">
