The Development, Implementation, and Assessment of a Systematic Academic Advising Program for Exploratory First-Year Students
All students, but especially freshmen, must understand their personal characteristics (interests, abilities, and values), learn the characteristics of academic programs, and use this information to develop their educational plans. In addition, they must learn about academic rules, procedures, and deadlines. We describe the development, implementation, and assessment of a systematic academic-advising program, The DUS Navigator, for exploratory freshmen. After a 1-semester pilot study, the program was delivered and assessed through five iterations. The results indicate that the program helps exploratory students take an active and productive role with advisors to make informed decisions about their educational plans.
Contributor Notes
Weldon P. Sams has been an advisor with the Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) since 1984. In addition to serving as the team leader on the Navigator project, he has been involved in a number of other projects within DUS designed to improve advising. He has made a number of presentations and delivered workshops at Regional and National NACADA Conferences.
Laura S. Brown is a senior undergraduate studies adviser with DUS. In addition to her work on the Navigator project, she is involved in the publication of the University Undergraduate Advising Handbook and oversees the programming in Discover House, a living and learning community for Exploratory students. She received the Outstanding Academic Advisor Award from both Penn State University and NACADA.
Ruth B. Hussey is a senior undergraduate studies adviser and the DUS Programs Coordinator with the Smeal College of Business Administration. In addition to her work with the Navigator project, she is involved with many projects within DUS, has served as the chair of NACADA's Commission for Undecided/Exploratory Students, and received the Outstanding Academic Advisor Award from NACADA.
Michael J. Leonard is Assistant Director of DUS. In addition to working on the Navigator Project, he coordinates various technology-related projects for DUS. He is the managing editor of The Mentor, an electronic academic advising journal. He also served as the chair of NACADA's Technology in Advising Commission.
Please note that the DUS Navigator is copyrighted because the authors are interested in how and where adaptations are being considered. We are interested in working with anyone who would like to adapt some or all of the program at their institutions. Please direct inquires to Weldon P. Sams, wps1@psu.edu.
