MSA reps look at 'U' advising

If members of the Michigan Student Assembly have their way, academic advising at the University may soon have a different makeup.

MSA members gathered last night to discuss their experiences with their advisers - both positive and negative. Each representative recounted stories of their interactions with academic advising. The assembly plans to formulate recommendations for each advising unit.

Doug Yatter, chair of MSA's Academic Affairs Commission, said he was excited by the group's honesty.

"I think everyone spoke candidly and offered constructive ideas," said Yatter, an LSA senior. "The Academic Affairs Commission wanted to create an opportunity to give a voice to the general murmurings that everyone hears about academic advising. Out of that, we hope to derive recommendations for every college."

Yatter said the meeting was also about hearing positive aspects of advising.

"We want to hear criticisms, just as importantly as we want to hear positive feedback on the advising system," Yatter said.

Kinesiology Rep. Brad Holcman, who transferred from LSA, said he prefers being in a smaller school. In Kinesiology, Holcman said he has more of an opportunity to develop a personal relationship with his advisers.

"The academic advising is a very hands on (with a) structured approach," Holcman said. "I wanted something personable. That's what I got in Kinesiology."

MSA Vice President Olga Savic said academic advising is an important issue that needs to be improved.

"I think academic advising is crucial to students' success at the University," Savic said.

Karie Morgan, Chair of MSA's Budget Priorities Committee, said she was impressed with the general flow of discussion at the forum. Morgan said there needs to be minimum standards established in academic advising.

"I thought it was a good start," said Morgan, an SNRE senior.

LSA Rep. Barry Rosenberg predicted that the meeting would point the assembly in the right direction.

"I was really impressed with the quality of ideas," said Rosenberg, an LSA senior. "It was really honest and open dialogue."

Yatter said the main objective is to come up with recommendations that apply to all colleges.

"We want to assure that every student gets a certain level of quality in advising," Yatter said. "We recognize the difficulty drawing analogies between colleges due to the difference in size and resources."

A couple of representatives also said advising for first-year and undeclared students is insufficient.

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