The start of a new year is a prime time to implement change. Beginning in January, at the start of spring semester, James Madison College’s advisers will begin to offer drop-in advising appointments in addition to the scheduled appointments previously offered throughout the semester.
The new advising model is designed to best serve students whose needs have shifted from mostly scheduled appointments with few walk-in options to daily walk-in hours and options for scheduled appointments.
“I want students to know this is not replacing anything; this is in addition to the current model,” said Lindsay Snyder, assistant director for undergraduate affairs in James Madison College. “Students will still be able to book appointments in the Student Information System, or SIS.
JMC advisers are typically staffed 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Drop-in hours will be offered from 1-4 p.m., Mondays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; and 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Fridays.
The advisers that are present during drop-in hours will vary depending on a staggered lunch schedule and a hybrid work schedule.
“This new option isn’t about visiting a specific adviser that is available; anyone can help you based on who’s available,” Snyder said.
Several staff offices will move, and space will be reallocated to make advising services more accessible, including JMC’s career services, field experience and Office for Justice, Equity and Inclusion (OJEI).
OJEI will be relocated to South 354 and 355. Brian Johnson, assistant dean for DEI, will remain in South 356.
Both Lauren Michalak, field experience coordinator, and Karissa Chabot-Purchase, assistant director for the Career Services Network, will have offices in South 329. Across the hall in South 328, will be the drop-in advising center where Snyder and Abubakar Idris will take the bulk of the advising appointments. On days when Snyder works remotely, Emelia Hammond will step in. When Idris is out of the office, Michalak will step in.
In the future, a digital check-in system will be implemented to make sure students can sign-up for a drop-in slot and check wait times in advance.
“The decision to increase opportunities for drop-in advising is due to the popularity of drop-in advising during enrollment periods,” said Snyder. “This will offer students and advisers a way to maximize efficiency and hopefully reduce student wait times for advising needs that can be addressed through a quick interaction.”
Time will tell whether the new model is a long-term solution to the increased demand for shorter, impromptu appointments.
Students seeking lengthier appointment times to review a graduation plan or discuss course options at length, ought to schedule an appointment in advance. The drop-in system is best utilized for those quick questions that an adviser can address in 10-15 minutes.
Additionally, the new system also provides advisers time to support students during urgent situations that are, by nature, unplanned.
For more details about where and when to find JMC academic staff, visit the JMC Advising webpage.