George Mason University has grown rapidly over the past few decades. In order to support this continuing growth, the university is implementing a number of programs to modernize the way the university addresses students’ needs. These programs were created as part of the Student Experience Redesign.
The Office of the Provost spoke with Sally Lorentson, associate dean of University Life, and Sharon Caraballo, associate dean of Undergraduate Programs in the Volgenau School of Engineering, about the advising and coaching portions of Student Experience Redesign and how they will impact students.
What is the advising and coaching vision?
Lorentson: We want every student, particularly in their first year but through their academic experience, to receive consistent support throughout Mason and beyond. The focus is on coaching and advising, training via a blended model.
Caraballo: This will ensure that every student has a person they know they can go to with issues, someone they trust.
How do advising and coaching work together?
Lorentson: The Mason Care Network, which is focused holistically on advising and coaching, begins when students commit to attend school here. Advising varies by college to meet the unique program needs. While coaching ensures that each student gets baseline support that pays attention to who they are as a whole person, that support is customized to their needs and is based on goals and aspirations. Each coaching and advising interaction is shared among those within a student’s network, ensuring linkage to that individual’s needs: financial aid, class holds, registration, emotional needs. It’s a varied and proactive approach that is focused on networking and information sharing to assure constant and consistent information.
Why is this approach important?
Caraballo: It is incredibly important to provide assistance and a level of support for each student on campus, ensuring that everyone gets connected.
Lorentson: We want there to be a sense of belonging on campus. Most everyone has friends and peers, but that sense of belonging also refers to the people who know who you are and really care about student success. The driving force is to make sure that students talk to someone in order to get the services they need in a variety of areas. Students are connected with resources and individuals regularly check in to see how things are going which builds a sustainable relationship.
How will the Mason Care Network change the Mason Student Experience?
Caraballo: Rather than blindly moving from one place to the next, students will know exactly where to go and who to connect with. They will have the right conversations with the right people. We already have fantastic advisors on campus. Moving forward, we want every advisor to have access to training and students with academic issues going to their advisors who can help them access these core sets of supports.
Lorentson: Through this process, students and their coaches and advisors will build relationships that ensure someone is invested in their life, both their challenges and successes.