UNF’s new data-rich academic advising approach provides individualized student assistance

On a mission to help students Soar to Success, the University of North Florida is taking a new approach to its academic advising programs.

Using a data-driven dashboard, advisors can now quickly spot when students start to fall behind in classes and anticipate when they might need extra assistance so they can intervene or determine when it might be a good time for a student to consider an internship.

“Considering each student as an individual based on their unique needs and having students view their advisor as their No. 1 cheerleader on their journey to their degree is core to our mission,” said Erin Richman, associate vice president of Student Success.

Using available data updated daily, advisors can now anticipate and suggest UNF resources when students need them. Students at higher risk of struggling will hear from advisors more often in a semester than those at low risk – but that can change quickly depending on each student. If a student’s grades start to slip, the advisors might suggest a University resource, from tutoring to an upcoming time management workshop. For those students excelling in their courses, advisors can connect them early to experiential learning opportunities that will enhance their college experience and position them for career success.

Intervening before a potential problem and helping students plan allows for more meaningful conversations throughout the semester, so advisors can get a better idea of a student’s aspirations, connect them with opportunities to learn outside class, learn how best to support them and teach the students to advocate for themselves.

“Our new advising approach based on best practices from around the country truly puts the student in the center of all we do at UNF and meets each student based on their own needs and dreams,” Richman said.

The University has also implemented a Registration Action Plan to encourage students to meet with their advisors before class registration begins so they can discuss plans, map out course selections and help them stay on track to graduate by making sure they have all required classes they need. Advising sessions are also when students should consider internships, study abroad, research opportunities or other experiences that could help them land their dream jobs after graduation.

Registration opens April 15 for current students, though specific dates and time vary.

All students are given a time ticket, a reservation of sorts for the day and time they can begin registering for classes. Students should meet with their advisors before the date of their time ticket so they’re ready to register as soon as they are allowed, which can make the difference in getting into popular classes and graduating on time.

While drop-ins are welcome at the advising center, students are encouraged to regularly connect with their assigned advisor. In January, UNF launched myNest Student Success Portal – an electronic tool that makes it easier for students to set appointments and communicate throughout the semester with their advisors. Professors can also use myNest to quickly alert advisors when they are concerned about a student’s grades or decreased class attendance. Those ongoing discussions can be in-person, virtual or by phone, meeting students where they feel most comfortable.

Traditionally, advisors would wait to hear from students; now the advisors are proactively reaching out to students throughout the semester.

Advisors themselves are also getting more support, including regular training and workshops on national best practices so they can better address UNF students’ needs. UNF has focused on filling advising openings, creating additional positions and removing some administrative duties from advisors’ responsibilities, which allows advisors to spend more of their workday with students. Coupled with robust data about students and collaboration with faculty, advisors are equipped to help create transformational change.

“We’re taking care of staff and nourishing them so, in turn, they can take care of students,” Richman said.

The recent changes will also help reduce the number of assigned advisors most students work with throughout their time at UNF. 

First-year students are assigned advisors with unique training to help them through their early experiences on campus. Once students complete 30 credit hours, they will be assigned an advisor in one of the colleges for guidance within their specific areas of study.

The Soar to Success program is quickly becoming embedded into the culture of UNF, with everyone – from the advisors and faculty working with students to the Institutional Research staff creating the new dashboards – working together to help students succeed.

To register for classes after April 15, simply go to mywings.unf.edu and select “Student,” then select the “Registration” tab, and then select “Course Registration.”

For help registering, UNF students can make an appointment with their academic advisor in myNest.unf.edu.

Follow these links to learn more about Academic Advising, Student Success Advocacy, or about Student Academic Success Services, including tutoring.