Joanna Orban
Staff Writer
College students aren’t strangers to stress. Between classes, homework and one or sometimes two jobs, it’s not uncommon to see a stressed college student wandering the quad.
There are many resources that students can use to help combat their ever-growing amounts of stress. With next semester’s class schedule being posted soon and midterms just around the corner, there’s no better time than now to meet with your advisor.
Advisors do more than just help you decide what classes you should take. That’s just one role of many.
One faculty advisor, Zac Gershberg, a doctorate in communication studies, is proud of the relationships he’s been able to form with the students he advises.
“I feel I build a pretty good relationship with my advisees,” Gershberg said. “So if there is an issue in some of their courses, I can help them.”
Advisors are academic coaches. They see their students through all aspects of the crazy game that is college. Just like when coaches give advice to their players during halftime, advisors can talk you through the stress of midterms.
“Obviously you need to prepare adequately, but nerves probably will get in the way,” said Thomas Klein, a doctorate in medieval studies and an English professor as well as the English undergraduate advisor. “To the degree possible, try to put it in perspective. It’s not going to make or break you in general. Just try to feel confident.”
Midterms give a good glimpse into how the rest of the semester will go. If students struggle on their tests, they should go and see their advisor. Oftentimes they will have good advice on how to change study patterns, or they can refer to other resources on campus like the writing center and tutors.
Another great resource that Idaho State University offers is their peer advising program. Four ISU students currently serve as peer advisors. They are a great resource for fellow students, especially if there’s just a quick question that needs answered without an actual advising appointment.
“(Don’t) tire yourself out. It’s important to study, but more importantly let your brain get some rest,” said Amia Hopster, an ISU peer advisor.
One of the critical roles of advisors is to make sure that students are taking the right classes in order to graduate on time. Degree works can be used for that as well, and it can give information on where a student can find out who their advisor is.
On October 21st, the spring semester class schedule will be posted. With midterms winding down, and grades being posted, this would be a great time to meet with an advisor.
I transferred from a community college, that was much, much smaller than ISU. Transferring was a scary experience. The first person I ever talked to in person at ISU was my advisor. I knew nothing about the school, and she was able to help me with all of my questions, even the ones that didn’t have to do with what classes I should take. It was great to have a resource on campus that I knew I could reach out to, even for the smallest of questions.
“We want to increase the number of opportunities for students to make a genuine connection where they feel like they can go get help and answers, and that someone cares about them,” said Staci Phelan, interim associate vice president of enrollment management.
Going to college can be a stressful experience. Trying to figure out what classes to take, and when to apply for graduation, which is why meeting with an advisor is a great way to stay on track.
