As classes have moved to an online format during the COVID-19 pandemic, advisors in Texas A&M University’s College of Engineering have also moved online. Having already implemented some elements of online advising previously, they were well prepared for this transition.
The general engineering advising team began providing virtual advising in 2016, offering large group advising webinars and evening hours for walk-in advising during peak times like pre-registration. Bonnie Bustos-Rios, director of Engineering Academic Operations, said her team tested various technology tools prior to launching virtual advising.
“Those early tests helped us determine key features of each platform and ways to make the students’ experience seamless and less clunky,” she said.
Engineering advisors are using various tools to meet with students virtually, including Zoom and Google Hangouts, as well as phone calls.
“Advisors continue to support students in the transition to online courses, point them to critical resources, and serve as keen observers and reporters of what our students are really dealing with,” she said. “The latter is incredibly important as the college works to provide timely information about support services and other important resources.”
The students are keeping us going. We are passionate about advising and helping our students during this time. We do this because we genuinely care for them and know this is a tough transition for them.
In the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Windy Lala, assistant director of undergraduate programs, said she misses visiting with students in person though.
“My favorite part of being an academic advisor is meeting with students, learning about them and the successes and issues they experience,” she said.
Despite this, she and her team have taken things in stride.
“We want to make sure that we are staying connected with our students and that they are still feeling connected to our advising team and the department,” she said.
Ashlea Schroeder, academic advisor IV in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, said students have reported that their online classes are going well for the most part.
“I have spoken with a few students who struggle with time management being back home and keeping up with classes, but most students feel they will pass their classes though,” she said.
Laura Olivarez, assistant director of General Engineering Academic Advising Services, said they are operating as normally as possible, with wait times less than 15 minutes.
“The students are keeping us going,” she said. “We are passionate about advising and helping our students during this time. We do this because we genuinely care for them and know this is a tough transition for them.”
Bustos-Rios said she’s grateful to her team that has stepped up during these difficult times.
“They could be resistant to change, especially in this time of uncertainty, but I’m so thankful for their trust, adaptability and flexibility during this time,” she said. “We can’t serve our students if I don’t take care of my team, and the health and well-being of my team is of utmost importance.”
Bustos-Rios said she’s thought a lot about what the students must be going through as well.
“I would be so worried but thankful to have academic advisors who care about me and my success,” she said. “I am also incredibly grateful for our college leadership. The academic deans continue to exercise care and caution as they make the best possible decisions to keep our students, staff and faculty safe.”