On May 28^th, 2024, the Union met with the representatives from the Faculty of Student Development to discuss upcoming changes to the structure of academic advising for on-campus students. 

Academic advising plays a key role in supporting students undergoing course selection. When meeting with an advisor, students are often seeking personalized guidance that is catered to their individual needs. To assist effectively, advisors require specific knowledge about potential program options and a manageable caseload.   

In the current advising system, most undergraduate students access a central advisor in the first years of their program before a major is declared. The new model will ensure students have immediate access to a program advisor through the student’s selected faculty, and the central team will transition to resourcing students with specific requirements while providing programmatic advisors with support and professional development.  

“We were excited to meet with student representatives and share the plans for revamping academic advising,” shared Sara Wolfe, the Interim Associate Vice President Students. “it’s exciting to implement an approach over the next few years that we believe will improve our students’ experience,” 

The Union provided feedback on the revamped model and noted issues that may persist for on-campus students. Several students shared difficulties in changing programs or moving through existing program structures, particularly when transitioning between advisors. Additionally, it was noted that incoming students who are unsure of their future post-graduation will still require access to non-program-specific advisors to ensure they are provided with the full range of faculty and program offerings.  

A pilot launch of this new advising model will take place within the Faculty of Science starting in Fall 2024. To learn more about other Student Voices activities your representatives have been engaging in on your behalf, click here! 

For more information contact: