COSAM News Articles 2018 August New Advising Model Strengthens Support for Students

New Advising Model Strengthens Support for Students

Published: 08/07/2018

The College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) is providing students with a new academic advising model. All students in the college will have a meeting with a professional advisor every semester before registering for classes.

Seven professional advisors will offer COSAM students the ability to build relationships with the same advisor from the first semester through graduation. Students can ask questions and set goals with the same advisor providing consistency and open communication. Each advisor has approximately 400 students.

“This new advising model is a navigation tool for students to make well-informed decisions and learn about their options,” explains Dr. Beth Yarbrough, Director of Student Services. “National research shows that connecting with just one person greatly increases student retention.”

Students gain valuable insight from meeting with faculty members. COSAM students have an additional layer of support from faculty to discuss career goals, research endeavors and graduate schools—supplementing this new professional advising process.

Student Services will host an open house for all COSAM students on Wednesday, August 29, 2018, from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Students can meet their advisors and network with other students. The open house is held in the Office of Student Services located on the second floor of the Sciences Center Classrooms building. Students are always welcomed here to charge their phones or laptops in this office as well as recharge personally in between classes.

A new student app is also available for free to all COSAM students. Students can learn about organizations and clubs, find out how to make an appointment with their advisor and check out undergraduate research projects. To download this app, search for Auburn Guides in the App Store and select the COSAM Student Guide.