Web-Based Advising Tool

The web-based advising tool will have information and interactive tools that assist prospective students as well as students in their first-year of college, when a significant amount of exploration of majors will occur. Being aware that parents will naturally want to review the web-based advising tool with their son/daughter, included will be some helpful resources for parents.

This interactive tool will utilize online videos and presentations that require the student answer questions to assess his/her understanding of the information and major exploration process. Additionally, there will be online videos that explain each of the academic majors available at the University. Faculty, current students, alumni, and career services staff will be involved in developing these presentations and videos.

The Center for Strategic Advising is currently testing a student workbook for choosing a major, complete with self-assessment activities. If students using this paper workbook achieve positive results, the intention is to make the workbook an important part of the interactive aspect of this web-based advising tool. Students would then be able to complete these assessment activities online, submitting answers to their assigned academic advisor in the Center for Strategic Advising.

To further create an interactive experience, we are considering including an online chat program that would allow students to seek academic advising and major exploration assistance. During certain hours, students would be able to ask one of our peer mentors or academic advisors questions via the chat program and receive immediate answers.

Other possible ideas include the use of wikis and blogs, for example, as ways to create a living program that adapts as the students and their needs change over time.