Remember what it was like to start a new academic year? Or to get midway through and feel insecure about your program choice, overwhelmed by what was expected of you?
Brooke Zeller remembers it well.
When she began her online Master of Science in Health Informatics Data Science track, there was a lot going on in her life. She was working full time while she was enrolled in three rigorous classes.
“I had some unexpected circumstances come up in my personal life that made it very difficult to get my schoolwork done,” explains Zeller. “I was behind in completing modules and assignments. I did not know how—or if—I could get back on track.”
Things changed for the better when Zeller connected with Student Support Coach Jennifer L. Kaplan in the SHRS Center for Academic Advising and Student Success.
“I reached out to Jennifer by email late one afternoon and she met with me by Zoom the following morning,” recalls Zeller. “She immediately helped me come up with a feasible plan to get caught up quickly and efficiently.”
The Advising Center welcomes students, both virtually and in person. Advisors meet regularly to discuss strategies for student success.
Tiwanda Taylor, director of the Center for Academic Advising and Student Success, says this is exactly how the Advising Center is supposed to work.
“Our students are managing so much,” Taylor continues. “They often feel alone in their struggles. But when they reach out to academic advisors and support coaches who know their programs— who know them—they can move forward with much more confidence.”
Senior Academic Advisor Amy Evans recalls a time when she was the only staff advisor for SHRS students. “All the other advisors were faculty members who were already stretched between their academic responsibilities, research initiatives and other professional duties,” recalls Evans.
“In 2020, the concept of a centralized advising center for SHRS was born. By 2022, we were up and running with a full-time advising staff,” she continues. “This allowed us to devote all of our time to student support while freeing up faculty to take on more mentoring roles.”
Academic Advisor Dave Bodnar says his students appreciate having an advisor specifically connected to the field they are pursuing. But it’s more than that.
“They look to us as a one-stop resource, not only to clearly define their path to graduation, but to give them direction and support they need to make the best choices for their futures.”
“Success looks different for every student,” adds Taylor. “Our job is to listen and to encourage students to find the right path for them.”
Undergraduate Communication Science student Rachael Hass has been consulting with Bodnar throughout her academic career. “Dave has been so helpful,” says Hass. “I feel like he always listens to me and helps me define my long-term goals. His guidance allows me to make smarter decisions with my scheduling and extracurricular activities that will benefit me in the long run.”
Rehabilitation Science student Crystal Alabboud agrees. She says her advisor, Evans, has been an integral part of her academic journey. “We started with a detailed plan, but every time I meet with her, Amy updates the plan to reflect my progress and any new opportunities, ensuring it always aligns with my goals.”
The Advising Center welcomes students, both virtually and in person. Advisors meet regularly to discuss strategies for student success.
According to Taylor, the Advising Center takes a holistic approach to student success, offering programming that empowers both undergraduate and graduate students to become engaged members of their professions and communities.
“We want our Center to be a place where students can interact with each other outside of their academic programs, so we offer workshops and opportunities that focus on career preparation, global experience, health and wellness and more,” notes Academic Advisor Jen Gregg.
Student feedback has been positive.
“The SHRS Advising Center is a lot more helpful than any I’ve ever experienced before,” says Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics senior Shayaana Ubhayaratne. “I feel comfortable going there to ask questions or express any concern I might have. They also provide so many extras, like resume reviews and speakers in my field—even snacks!”
To provide continuity and consistency, the Advising Center uses Pathways, a University-wide software platform that simplifies communication between students and staff. It can be used for making appointments, sending out reminders and checking on progress throughout the semester.
“Advisors and coaches use the platform to post summaries of student visits as well as to help students track their goals and next steps,” says Taylor. “It is particularly helpful for transfer students, or students transferring from one program to another to have a record of their progress.”
Although the centralized Advising Center is only a few years old, it is quickly becoming a model for others to follow.
In March 2023, the SHRS advising team presented at Pitt’s 2023 Mentoring and Advising Summit and were invited to reprise their presentation in May 2023. In November 2024, they hosted an internal workshop entitled “Best Practices for Graduate Advising” for graduate faculty members.
Taylor says it’s exciting to be part of this growing, successful resource for students. She commends her team for their collaborative spirit.
“We have an amazing team who loves to brainstorm new and innovative ways to support our students,” explains Kaplan.
