Professors volunteer time as advisers for undeclared students

"I especially like the opportunity to interact directly with students. Many students just need to know there is someone who is willing to listen to their questions and discuss their academic goals."

Pratt is one of 11 faculty members from colleges across campus who are spending time in the Advising Center for Entering Students this semester. Each works with 10 to 20 students who haven't yet determined what their field of study will be.

"There are many creative, bright people who fit into the undeclared category," said Jamie Inmon, ACES coordinator. "We also see students who may have had some academic problems and need guidance about proceeding with their academic careers."

With some 800 students in the undeclared ranks, Inmon says that volunteer advisers are performing a valuable service to the university.

"Across the nation, research institutions are recognizing the importance of building relationships with their students," she noted. "These volunteers are making an important contribution in helping Mississippi State counsel and retain some outstanding students."

Dr. Miriam Shillingsburg, associate vice president for academic affairs, agrees that the university as a whole benefits from the program. "Teaching involves instruction, curriculum development, and advising," she points out. "These professors are working with students who are not in their own departments. Their efforts show a real commitment to an important part of the teaching process.

"It's different from normal advising, because the students may have only a general idea of their interests. It's important that they be guided so that the maximum number of courses they take will apply to the major they eventually select."

Dr. Vincent McGrath and Dr. Lucinda Rose of curriculum and instruction see their volunteer advising as a way to help students achieve academic success.

"We have a strong advising program in our department, and we follow our students throughout the four years of their program. Volunteering to advise undeclared students is one way to provide access to students who aren't in our department, to offer them some direction," McGrath said.

Already advising 80 students in her own department, Rose says that volunteering to work with undeclared students is a way to contribute to the academic success of students searching for direction.

"I see this as a way to help match students with a major that is compatible with their personal goals and to help move them, with support, to graduation."

Inmon says that students also are encouraged to use a variety of university resources, from testing to career counseling. "Our goal is to help these students succeed."

Faculty volunteers working with undeclared students are Dr. Kirk Arnett, management and information systems; Dr. Kathleen Corpus, home economics; Dr. Gloria Liddell, marketing, quantitative analysis, and business law; Dr. Linda Jones, educational leadership; Elva Kay Lance, music education; Dr. Vincent McGrath, curriculum and instruction; Dr. Keith Mead, chemistry; Martha Pratt, mathematics; Dr. Lucinda Rose, curriculum and instruction; Betty Scarborough, mathematics; and Dr. Peter Shillingsburg, English. Prof. Cliff Ryan of history serves as faculty adviser for the center. He is formerly chair of the Arts and Sciences advisory committee for undeclared students.

For more information on the program, contact Jamie Inmon, Advising Center for Entering Students, at 325-4052.