Forever grateful

As students begin their first semester at Ohio University, we are each provided with an academic advisor who is committed to developing our professional success. Advisors are in charge of creating a customized graduation plan that’s in line with our personal and career goals. Each graduation plan has specific milestones for students to follow to facilitate their success. Advisors meet with students to assist with course registration, career coaching and extracurricular involvement. The ultimate goal for all students is to graduate.

"Our advisors are focused on ensuring students have the support they need to meet their academic, personal, and professional goals," said Ashley Beatty-Smith, executive director for University Advising. "We collaborate with students to understand those goals and then design a strategic pathway to get there. We are also with them as they overcome challenges and as they celebrate successes. It is a rewarding partnership."

The collaborative and engaging advising process builds connections every day. Here are a few stories of graduating seniors and the advisors who got them here.

Sydney Lehmann, a senior journalism major pursuing a minor in marketing and a certificate in social media, had an especially positive experience with her academic advisor. From the beginning of her freshman year, Scripps College of Communication success advisor Laura Costa dos Santos answered questions for Lehmann and eased her worries when scheduling classes.

 “Seeing my class schedule for the entire four years planned out was so helpful and relieved a lot of stress,” Lehmann said. “She not only helped me through it and talked me through it, but she gave me the resources to do it on my own.”

Lehmann attributes her success in certain experiences, such as securing internships, to the guidance her advisor gave. 

“I want to thank her for just being a friendly and welcoming face on this campus when I was a freshman coming here and helping me, not only with my classes, but also in extracurriculars.”

Senior media arts production major, Sophia Hoffman had a similar experience with Costa dos Santos. Initially an acting major, Hoffman decided during her first semester to explore other programs of study that would align more closely with her career goals. 

”Laura was really helpful in helping me navigate that and making sure I was taking the right classes, as well as figuring out how I could make up scholarships in other areas,” Hoffman said. “If I didn’t have her I don’t know if I would have been able to attend OU still.”

Now the general manager for on campus student organization ACRN and nearing graduation, Hoffman is able to reflect on how she got here. 

“Having somebody who really understands the classes, what you need to graduate, and all of those processes is just really helpful,” Hoffman explains. “I would love to thank Laura for everything that she’s done to help me with school. Without her, I definitely would not be where I am right now with my success in both professional and academic worlds, she’s just so amazing, and I’m going to miss her a lot when I graduate.”

Senior exercise physiology major Brayden McConnell looks back fondly on advising appointments with his success advisor Brandy Bailey. McConnell had undergone a major change early in his undergraduate career, but didn’t have any issue getting back on track with the help of Bailey. He believes advisors are an excellent resource that students should try to utilize.

“If a student isn’t taking advantage of forming a good connection with their advisor, then they’re missing out on a great opportunity,” McConnell says.