Virtual Advisor Presentation

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Welcome ?

• Virtual AdvisorPresentation

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Richard Lamberski, Ph.D. Virtual Advisor
Location

• http//www.coe.iup.edu/RJL
• See left bar Advising

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Why a Virtual Advisor?

• Growth of COMM MEDIA Dept.
• 150 Majors in 1981, compared to nearly 550
  currently
• COMM Minor, LS Offerings, Grad.Program
• Grant project activity (Internal/External)
• Increased service given expertise
• Complexity change of major/entry positions in
  last 20 years
• Required Internship
• External Forces (Detailed Next)

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External Forces (I have no control of)

• Banner System and pending change
• Elimination of Registration Newspaper
• Elimination of printed transcripts for advising
• Admissions (student variability)
• Unique programs Study Abroad, Honors, Nat.
  Exchange, Minors, Key Courses
• Transfer students (both internal and external)
• Difficulty in enrolling in desired Major courses
  and Liberal Studies.

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Idea for the Virtual Advisor

• Advising/Auditing Pressure
• Direct Average of 35 contacts grew to over 200
  per semester
• Indirect Sought for advice by faculty and their
  student referrals
• Decreasing meeting time given the primary
  advising window (less than 20 minutes)
• Increase in Personal Work Load
• Strong desire commitment to mentor

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Philosophy/Commitment

• Advising is key and unique for IUP if done well
• Best to have strategy of alternative resources
  available when readiness is apparent
• Developed print/electronic resources provide
  consistency and availability
• Integrate Department/University resources if
  available
• Establish a student helpers program to aid in
  development and maintenance of resources

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Stages of Evolution

• Identified fostered Internal Mentors
• Developed Desk Reference Book
• Logging of Questions/Problems
• Developed Initial Task Aid Handouts
• Launched Linear Web Product (1)
• Began Knowledge/Process Mapping
• Launched Branching Web Product (2)
• Optimize Add, Modify, Delete (3)

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Virtual Advisor Support System

• A Learning/Creative Opportunity for Students
• Volunteers
• Practicums 1 or 2 per semester
• In-Class Projects
• Paid Student Staff
• Royalties from Instructional Manuals
• Grants (Internal External)

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Lamberskis Home Page

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Virtual Advisor Components
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Advisees Start Here

• Importance of an Academic Advisor
• Why you should see me?
• How soon should you see me?
• An overview of the tools on the site

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Visitors Start Here

• Rationale to the site
• Most recently added due to overwhelming request
  (especially distant learning programs)
• Tremendous opportunity for visibility
• Both internal and external professionals are
  visiting
• Content provides historical context and site map
  explanation

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Career Orientation

• Many students who are in the Major are not aware
  of all of the jobs/areas within the field
• Not always aware of campus services or career
  exploration opportunities at IUP
• Not knowledgeable in what skills are needed to be
  a marketable commodity after IUP

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Advising Session

• Students must come prepared in order for Dr.
  Lamberski to be able to advise them efficiently
• Registration time can be hectic and frustrating-
• Getting the classes that you need and
  understanding the registration process

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Counseling Sheet

• I didnt know is not acceptable
• Printable course calculation sheets to help you
  keep track of your progress (projections)
• Suggestions for Liberal Studies and Out of
  Department Electives so you are always aware of
  what counts, what does not, and which ones would
  be most likely approved (frequency ranking)

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Problem Areas

• Common student panic areas and errors with
  helpful solutions to point you in the right
  direction
• Course withdrawal, major changes, academic
  probation, grade appeal, pass/fail, etc.

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Special Topics

• Students are constantly told that it is a good
  idea to have a minor or concentration
• Which would compliment a Major in Communications
  Media?
• Time management a big issue
• Opportunities Study Abroad or Nat. Exchange
  (careful)
• Are there Scholarships and Awards available to
  Comm. Media majors if so, how can I apply?
• Many of us would like to attend graduate school
  but have no idea where to start
• Many international students are unaware of job
  opportunities, help with English, etc., and can
  find it here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• FAQ a way of handling shy or naive students!
• The importance of the Internship Experience
• Core Classes and Specializing
• Timely Graduation
• Out of Department Electives and Minors that
  compliment Communication Media

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Self Monitoring

• Maintained records of clarification (ongoing)
• Counseling sheet with embedded reminders
• Information available virtually
• Require student to bring banner transcript to
  each advising session
• Require penciled in counseling sheet for ALL
  meetings
• Special orientation at 1st meeting between us

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The Advising Event

• Maintain a 3-ring desk reference book
• Developed an advising workstation in my office
• Support folders available with examples
• Sustain a support network for special problems
• Associate Dean
• Transfer Evaluation
• Liberal Studies Director
• Key Related Departments

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• Virtual Advisor
• Richard Lamberski, Ph.D.
• Questions?
• http//www.coe.iup.edu/RJL

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Contact Information
Richard Lamberski, Ph.D Department of
Communications Media Stouffer Hall, Room
127 1175 Maple Street Indiana, Pennsylvania
15705-1087 Phone [phone] Fax
724-357-5503 Email rjl_at_iup.edu