Arriving at Lehigh University marks the beginning of a transformative journey for students, filled with aspirations and the promise of academic achievement. To navigate this path with confidence, students are equipped with a strategic plan from the start, thanks to a suite of innovative advising tools.
These tools, which include platforms like Compass, Degree Works, and Student Planner, have been introduced this academic year to streamline the student experience. By offering a structured approach to academic planning, these platforms help students stay on course, connect efficiently with advisors, and make well-informed decisions about their futures.
A Personalized Advising Experience
At Lehigh, academic advising has evolved into a more personalized and proactive experience, a shift that aligns with the Inspiring the Future Makers initiative. Emily Ford, who oversees academic advising at Lehigh, emphasizes that the use of technology, like Compass, enhances the advising process without replacing the essential personal interactions. “Academic advising today is about much more than course selection,” Ford notes. “It’s also about helping students make sense of their entire college experience.”
The Compass platform, a customized version of Navigate360, centralizes communication and collaboration, allowing students to schedule appointments, receive reminders, and access critical academic information through a single interface. Additionally, features like Study Buddies and messaging keep students connected and informed about their academic journey.
Empowering Student Choice
While Compass centralizes resources, tools such as Degree Works and Student Planner empower students to take charge of their academic paths. Degree Works provides a comprehensive view of students’ progress toward graduation, enabling them to explore different academic scenarios. Meanwhile, Student Planner assists with semester planning and aligns academic goals with long-term objectives like study abroad and internships. As Samson Delson ’28 points out, “It helps students figure out the classes they need each semester.”
Focusing on Meaningful Conversations
By simplifying scheduling and communication, these platforms facilitate more meaningful advising interactions. Ford explains, “Compass allows us to be more proactive and more personal at the same time,” which helps guide students toward academic success and broader campus involvement. Delson adds that having everything in one place significantly aids long-term planning and professional development, particularly when integrated with career exploration platforms like Handshake and Forage.
Enhancing Collaboration for Success
The integration of these tools with the registrar’s office enhances collaboration and creates a seamless experience for students, as described by Michael Dills-Allen, Lehigh’s Registrar. “By aligning the registrar’s office with academic advising, we’re creating a more transparent and coordinated experience for students,” he says. This alignment allows the university to anticipate student needs and address potential challenges proactively, ensuring a confident academic journey for every student.
The strategic use of these tools is a testament to Lehigh’s commitment to its Inspiring the Future Makers plan, particularly through the An Organization of the Future initiative, which seeks to enhance process efficiency and support the goals of the Lehigh community.
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