From Disappointment to Elation

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From Disappointment to Elation

• Advising for programs with competitive admissions

2007 NACADA Annual Conference Concurrent Session
144, October 20, 2007
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Presented by

• Brenda Arosemena, M.A.
• Academic Advisor, College of Nursing, Florida
  State University
• Peter Hanowell, M.A.
• Academic Advisor, Advising First and the College
  of Nursing, Florida State University

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Our Topic Today

• ADVISING IN COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS
• Types of Programs
• Student Characteristics
• Other Pronounced Factors
• Make the Connection
• Tips and Tricks

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Types of Programs

• All Academic Programs
• Limited Access
• Limited Enrollment

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Welcome to Hogwarts! School of
Witchcraft and Wizardry

• Advising for students applying for 3rd year
  status is today
• Please keep in mind that progression is quite
  competitive
• Only a particular kind of student tends to
  succeed

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Student Characteristics

• Overachievers
• Not used to disappointment
• Persistent
• Ignore the negative

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Add Parents to the Mix

• Helicopter Parents
• Military Grade
• Impersonation
• Pushy to students advisors

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Outside Influences

• Political Figures
• Other campus administrators
• Alumni

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Student Development Theory

• Chickerings (1972) Vectors
• Managing Emotions
• Developing Purpose

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Theories of Advising

• Developmental Advising
• Advising as Teaching

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Gathering Data

• Interviews of 14 Advising Professionals here at
  FSU working in competitive programs
• Advice on Advising (meta-advice)
• Facts, Feelings, Future and Fun

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FACTS

• Know every element of admission requirements
• Know campus resources
• Describe the realities of the students situation
• Avoid vagueness

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FEELINGS

• Exude confidence
• Help to keep the students schedule balanced
• Be supportive while remaining realistic
• Be ready to deal with the distraught

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FUTURE

• Emphasize the need for a back up plan (or three)
• Encourage the student to apply to multiple
  programs
• Know other majors that a student may shift to

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FUN

• Be as creative and energetic as possible to
  alleviate stress (for both you and your student)
• Make each student smile especially the ones
  using your Kleenex only moments before.

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Thank you!

• Questions?
• Contact Information
• Brenda Arosemena 850-644-5638 barosemena_at_nursing.f
  su.edu
• Peter Hanowell 850-644-5107
• phanowell_at_nursing.fsu.edu