A Holistic Approach to Student Advising

  • BY NATALIE FEULNER
  • March 11, 2020

Cal State Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV and nearby San Francisco State, have received $8 million to transform academic advising and create a clear path to graduation for students. A gift from the Stupski Foundation, the $4 million allocated to CSUEB will support Graduation Initiative 2025 and the university’s initiative to increase graduation rates for all students while eliminating opportunity and achievement gaps. 

“Cal State Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV is one of the most demographically diverse institutions of higher education in the United States, with the vast majority of its dynamic student body hailing from traditionally underserved communities,” Jen Nguyen, director of postsecondary success for the Stupski Foundation, said in a statement. “This partnership is a great opportunity to aid Cal State Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV in implementing its transformative vision of creating a comprehensive, student-centered advising network.”

Currently, each freshman is assigned a single adviser, a change from years prior when a student might interact with multiple advisers and offices in one year, depending on their major. The new model will mean advisors will focus on both general education and major requirements.

In addition to streamlining the advising process, the new approach is holistic. It allows advisers to focus on peripheral issues such as housing costs and food insecurity that may have a direct effect on student success. 

“Using predictive analytics and focused advising, we will be able to provide our students with a primary advisor to help them navigate their academic pathway and succeed in completing their degrees,” said Cal State Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV Provost Edward Inch. “By investing in our technological infrastructure, advising community, and much more, we’re also making significant investments in our students and their success.”