*********************************
There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
*********************************
Atlanta, GA | Posted: November 14, 2018
Susie Ivy
Institute Communications | Office of the Provost
404-385-3782
Summary Sentence:
Provost Rafael L. Bras has approved the final report of the Academic Advising Task Force, an Institute-wide initiative created in 2017.
Full Summary:
Provost Rafael L. Bras has approved the final report of the Academic Advising Task Force, an Institute-wide initiative created in 2017.
TechTowerProvost Rafael L. Bras has approved the final report of the Academic Advising Task Force, an Institute-wide initiative created in 2017. The task force was charged to examine academic advising at Georgia Tech and make recommendations to improve advising programs and practices.
“The task force did a wonderful job identifying key areas to improve how we reach and advise learners while they are at Georgia Tech, including navigating curricular choices, interceding with at-risk students, and mentoring students of all types.” said Bras. “The recommendations will keep us in line with the long-term goals of the Commission on Creating the Next in Education and the needed changes to realize the Georgia Tech Commitment to a Lifetime Education,” said Bras.
The task force was chaired by Beth Spencer, director of Advising. It was comprised of 15 members of faculty and staff including academic advisors, faculty from all six colleges, and representatives from the following campus units: Center for Career Discovery and Development (C2D2), the Division of Student Life, the Office of International Education (OIE), the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid, and the Registrar’s Office. Student insight and participation was provided by members of the Office of Undergraduate Education Student Advisory Board, which includes leaders of many academically focused student organizations.
“I am very pleased with the work done by the Academic Advising Task Force, and very grateful to the other 14 members of the committee that served with me as we sought new and innovative solutions to the age-old problem of making sure students get the best possible coaching and advice throughout their educational experience,” said Spencer.
Based upon the committee's report and recommendations, the task force has endorsed Ruffalo Noel-Levitz's definition of advising as "an interactive process in which the advisor helps the student set and achieve academic goals, acquire relevant information and services, and make responsible decisions consistent with interests, goals, abilities, and degree requirements."
With that in mind, the recommendation of the task force is that all Georgia Tech students should have access to comprehensive, effective, and impactful advising designed to:
The Advising Task Force addressed the current situation at Georgia Tech and offered the following immediate and short-term recommendations:
Looking forward, the Office of the Provost will use these recommendations to articulate a clear vision and mission for advising across campus. Student feedback to these recommendations is anticipated as well, and will also aid in the creation of a comprehensive list of potential problems used to identify at-risk students for whom advising will be crucial to academic and educational success.
For more information about the Academic Advising Task Force, read the comprehensive report here.
