All Things Good come from Smaller Caseloads How Drexel’s Split-Model Advising enhances the advising experience.

Introductions Mark Costello Debra Frank, Ph.D. Assistant Dean/ Academic Advising College of Arts and Sciences Upper level undergraduates Majors: Anthropology. Communication, and Sociology Debra Frank, Ph.D. Senior Assistant Dean/ Operations and Assessment All undergraduate Advising Procedures and Best Practices

Drexel University Urban University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Large, Private, 26K UG, GR, full time, part time, campus & online students Cooperative education Quarter System calendar Unique institution, but common Academic Advising Goals

Previous Advising Model Centralized in College Dean’s office Freshmen through seniors Advised by major Pros; strong student relationships and consistent advisor/student relationships Cons; fast growth at Drexel, caseloads up to 800, retention issues, student satisfaction concerns, two-week wait time for an appointment, advisor burn-out

New Advising Model Freshmen and Sophomores still advised in Dean’s office. Upper level undergraduate advisor physically located in academic department.

Benefits & Advantages Better Trust fostered between administrative and academic offices Mutual Understanding of policies/procedures Improved department communication Stronger administrative relationships Better Student/Faculty connections Faster & Direct Problem solving Advisor has better understanding of specific course goals and objectives. Advisor better able to connect students’ special interests with faculty expertise. Greater development of specialized programs within an academic department. Able to focus on Appreciative and Developmental advising rather than “Triage” advising.

Benefits & Advantages, cont. Higher Retention and Graduation rates Reduced errors Better sense of “team” as a College-wide Advising Program No more Advising Silos Reduced Advisor Stress Higher Job Satisfaction Advising Sharepoint site – with sample letters, emails, procedures, best practices. BbLearn site with latest policy updates, announcements, quick resource guide.

Buy-In? Each student saved at Drexel = 25K in annual Net Tuition revenue. Consider who is already doing some “front line” advising. Given the tools, training, and information they need – can they become an official advisor? Do they have the desire, temperament, ability, background to become a professional advisor? Minimal investment for greater return!

Fully Centralized Model Comparison Advisor Fully Centralized Model Split-Model Phase I Split-Model Phase II   1 798 365 213 Original position 2 784 542 303 3 721 234 4 339 142 104 5 288 227 6 391 478 Existing position 7 197 119 New hire 8 42 74 9 168 144 10 89 11 290 12 148 13 150 14 73 Total 2930 2646 Avg. caseload (FT only) 586 378 235

Advising Efficacy

Student Satisfaction

Questions/Discussion Can it be done at your Institution? Questions/Discussion

Mark Costello MARKC@Drexel.edu Debra Frank DLF72@Drexel.edu