Students coming to the Advising Center in the University College will find a more comfortable and private space this fall thanks to a fresh new design inspired by student needs.
From left: Tristan Pfeiffer, Meghan Erwin (advisor), and Abby Hancox help students with academic concerns as members of the Advising Center staff in the University College.
Recent updates include a seating area for drop-in students waiting for advising and partitioned office spaces to make communicating one-on-one easier.
“All IUP students are assigned a primary advisor in their major or program of study,” said Director of Advising, Transition, and Support Meghan Erwin, who oversees the Center and advises students there. “The Advising Center offers additional support that can be used to continue to counsel students and provide immediate assistance.”
Students can get help at the Center with advising and scheduling questions, considering a new major, reviewing degree requirements toward graduation, and exploring minors and certificates.
The Advising Center offers students the flexibility to drop in for help whenever the office is open or to schedule a meeting with Erwin to avoid waiting. The Advising Center is generally open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Erwin explained that having the drop-in option is helpful for students who need immediate assistance at times when their regular advisor isn’t available.
It’s also helpful when students have questions about their classes while working with the navigators.
Two academic success assistants, graduate students Tristan Pfeiffer and Abby Hancox, also work in the Advising Center to support students. They guide students who are in academic recovery by providing study strategies and academic approaches to help them increase their success in their classes and bring up their grades. Students not in academic recovery can also get academic assistance through the University College’s academic coaching and tutoring services.
“It’s all part of the student success infrastructure. How I work with students, how I collaborate with the navigators—it’s all connected. Ultimately, the person in focus is the student and how we can continue to move them forward.”
—Meghan Erwin, associate professor in the Department of Student Affairs, Student Success, and Disability Access
In addition to working with students in the Advising Center, which is located in Stabley Library, Erwin works with faculty in her role as director of Advising, Transition, and Support.
“For faculty, I am a resource for academic advisors on academic policy at the undergraduate and graduate levels,” she said. “I provide professional development opportunities, particularly in matters related to advising, registration, and student support.”