Building Relationships with Honors Advising

BY CARTER HARBERT, HONORS ADVISOR

SPECIALIZED ADVISING IS ONE of the many terrific resources available to students in the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Every new student is paired with an Honors advisor that specializes in a specific academic area in order to provide both academic and career planning. From picking courses and providing tips on time management to finding internships and applying to graduate school, Honors advisors bring a wealth of experience, care, and personalized attention to encourage success at USF and beyond. In addition, Honors advisors also play an active role in the greater JGHC community. You can find them participating in study abroad trips, joining in Student Council picnics, helping in the Living Learning Communities, and more. We believe that advising occurs in every interaction with students, whether we’re in the office or elsewhere on campus. The result is a meaningful learning relationship that helps students acclimate to the university and find the confidence to identify and pursue their goals. When they do, we’re there to celebrate every milestone! Don’t just take our word for it — these comments from our anonymous advising survey share students’ perspectives about what Honors advising means to them.

• “The advising team is truly a positive force to be reckoned with and I am so thankful that more than one of them have taken me under their wings. As a group, they have helped me though nearly every step of my college career, and I am so thankful for that.”

• “The entire JGHC advising team is impeccable, with each individual member dedicating themselves to the success of the JGHC and of each student they encounter. They are the most kind and loving bunch.”

• “The advisors of the JGHC were perhaps my most utilized and valued resource during my time at USF. Going through undergrad, there were always times when things came up regarding course registration or my career goals. By working with my advisor, I was able to build rapport with an advisor during all four years and he helped me to accomplish my goal of getting into medical school.”

• “The close-knit aspect of the Honors College allows for a comfort with advising that I think is unique in the university setting. The team is really invested in the life of the students and very available to help while also ensuring that the students are not reliant on others for making their decisions. It’s a big part of the maturity gained in college and I think the advisors navigate that very well.”

• “My JGHC advisors were a huge asset towards my success and extracurricular involvement during my time at USF. While my degree-specific advisor was wonderful, I found myself more involved with my JGHC advisors because of the personalized touch they provided that not only applied to my degree, but my involvement with the Honors College itself. They were always accessible, always friendly, and always had my best interests in mind.”

• “JGHC advising is the safe place I can always return to seek advice in my academic, sometimes even private and professional life. With an individual and compassionate approach, my advisor not only helps me with making the best choices and finding crucial resources and people but also provides great emotional support and understanding.”

•“I sincerely enjoyed having someone to talk to when I needed academic guidance as a student, and my advisor was always approachable. Her coaching has helped me gain clarity and meaning in goal setting. It’s always a pleasure working with her!”

• “Without my Honors College advisor, I would not have known that an opportunity to apply for a national scholarship existed and that I would be a good candidate for it. Additionally, I felt that I could visit many of the other advisors and they helped me make decisions regarding applying to graduate school between undergrad and medical school, study abroad opportunities, and extracurricular activities.”

• “My advisor has had such an incredible impact on me. She is both a friend and an amazing mentor. She helped me emotionally and academically through the passing of my father and she has helped cement my place in the JGHC as well as USF.”