Athens, Ga. – The Orientation Academic Advising Programs in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Georgia have been selected as recipient of an outstanding Institutional Advising Program Certificate of Merit by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).
The college will receive the certificate in a ceremony and reception held as part of the annual NACADA conference in Chicago in October.
“The Franklin College Academic Advising Office puts an incredible amount of time, energy and resources into the summer orientation program,” said Michelle Garfield Cook, associate dean of the Franklin College who is primarily responsible for student academic affairs within the college. “To receive national recognition for the program affirms their hard work. It also lets us know that the program is not only effective on our campus but is considered a model of good advising nationwide.”
The Franklin College provides academic advising to incoming students, both first year and transfer, during the annual summer orientation program. Approximately 4,000 students seeking degrees in bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, pre-business and pre-journalism degree programs, as well as students seeking pre-professional programs in nursing and pharmacy, are advised by the Office of Student Services staff under the direction of the associate dean of the college.
The program is implemented on the second day of a two-day orientation process after students have completed placement tests and had an opportunity to gain knowledge about the overall campus environment.
“The college developed an innovative team-advising process to provide both developmental and informational academic advisement without compromising service, personal connection or helpful academic tools that students at a large institution should be afforded as they begin, or continue, their academic careers,” said Cook.
NACADA promotes and supports quality academic advising in institutions of higher education to enhance the educational development of students. It provides a forum for discussion, debate and the exchange of ideas pertaining to academic advising through numerous activities and publications.
Founded in 1977, it has more than 10,000 members representing all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada and several other international countries. Members represent higher education institutions and include professional advisers/counselors, faculty, administrators and students whose responsibilities include academic advising.