Understand Advising @ SIUE

By: Caroline Colgan and Olivia Knoedler

SIUE Advising has been a hot topic on campus, as students are figuring out what is the best way to navigate their courses in a timely manner. Many factors including: Covid, contracts, sabbatical leave and Degree Works have all been factors in understanding the complex implications of advising.  

As journalists, we wanted to create a well-rounded podcast that could tell many sides of the story, outside of just the student perspective. We interviewed Brian, the Director of CAS Advising, and Musonda, the Chair of the Mass Com Department. 

Both esteemed guests provided listeners with a streamlined understanding of the goals/ intent of what advising should look like for students. As well as the kind of training and dedication involved in making advising a personalized experience for the student body.  

The student body, of course, changes every semester and with that, so do the needs of students. Caroline and I also inserted what some of our own needs are when seeking an advisor, as well as a self-reflection as to how we can prepare ahead of time for our appointments. We agreed with a lot of the points Brian and Musonda made about the layout of the student platform known as Degree Works.  

Degree Works was always meant to make the process of academic tracking streamlined as possible, but this was not always the case. Covid played an influential role in this, as not every student had the online literacy to navigate the platform on their own.  

It was difficult to read for many and coming prepared with a list of class options into an advising appointment ahead of time was a bit challenging. Now that the online platform has changed, it has created a more streamlined process for both students and advisors to get closer to the finish line! 

Caroline and I had a wonderful experience with this podcast and appreciated both Musonda and Brian for taking time out of their day to meet with us. We feel that both the audiences and us can lend a more compassionate hand towards our advisors and mentors on campus.  

Enjoy our Podcast Below!