Why create an advising center?:
Benefits of a centralized advising center:
MAPS Center challenge:
| Mary's Story: I don't know what I want to do with my life. | Mary at the MAPS Center |
| Mary is a recent high school graduate who is enrolled in her first semester at CCC. She has no idea what she wants to do for a career or what her major should be in college. She is coded as a university transfer students, but is not even sure what she should ge her bachelor's degree in or what university to attend. She just knows that several of her friends are away at a university. | Mary visits the MAPS center for career coaching. The coach meets individually with her and encourages Mary to talk freely about her interests and values. The coach shows Mary around the center and points out the available resources: Carteret's program information, university materials, and career booklets. The coach suggest that Mary return and complete a career assessment at a time that is convenient for her. While touring the center, Mary realizes that she was not aware that Carteret offers applied science programs that are designed for students to earn an associate's degree and enter the local work force. She makes an appointment to return to complete a career assessment and to work further with the coach. |
| Bobby's Story: I want to be a nurse, but I don't know if I can get into the program. | Bobby at the MAPS Center |
| During the intake process as a new student, Bobbie expressed an interest in the nursing field. The advisor provided him with materials about the nursing program before helping him register for his first semester of classes. Bobby left feeling a little confused. Since nursing is a competitive admissions program, Bobby is unclear of the time, and the materials he received are lengthy and confusing. He does not want to return to talk to the same advisor for clarification because he is embarrassed that he does not completely understand the process. | Bobby visits the MAPS Center and notices the bulletin board schedule for nursing information sessions lead by the chair of the department. He is pleased that he will have the chance to learn from and talk directly to the nursing chairperson. He is further impressed that there are multiple sessions scheduled at varying times. He spoke to an advisor who was able to answer his current questions and even provided him with information on a shadowing program at the local hospital, which offers students opportunities to volunteer in the ER. Bobby was relieved when he was invited back to the center for more assistance since the process is complicated and most students request addition support. |
| Taylor's Story: Family and work make it difficult for me to find time for advising | Taylor at the MAPS Center |
| Taylor's been enrolled in classes for three semesters and has struggle each semester with scheduling a meeting with her advisor about semester registration well as for transferring to ECU. Taylor is aware of her habit of not checking college email frequently and waiting for the last minute to register for classes. Her schedule is busy with work and family, so she does the best she can with managing the advising process. She is very committed to completing her bachelor's degree and becoming an elementary education teacher. | Taylor has found that the hours at the MAPS Center are manageable with her busy schedule. She is relieved that there is a group of welcoming center employees eager to answer her questions and willing to provide assistance. While visiting the center, she discovered that ECU has a bilateral program with CCC for students interested in elementary education. After completing courses at the community college, she can enroll in her remaining courses online at ECU. With a few requirements on the university campus, Taylor finds this program to be a perfect fit regarding her family and work commitments. The MAPS Center also hosts university sessions lead by university admissions representatives. Since the schedule is posted and she has time to plan, Taylor can work with her boss and find childcare, so she can meet with the ECU program director personally. |
| Jamie's Story: I've only been teaching for a year, and I don't feel comfortable advising | Jamie at the MAPS Center |
| As a new employee, Jamie attended advising training and was provided materials and manuals to assist in the process. Unfortunately, Jamie does not feel prepared to advise students, and he is very concerned about offering information that may negatively impact a student's academic plan. | Jamie visits the MAPS Center to observe multiple advising sessions led by various advisors and coaches. Jamie is surprised by each employee's individual style. He is relieved that there are multiple ways to approach academic and career planning. Jamie is impressed with the available resources for students and was pleased to learn that faculty and coaches travel with students to neighboring universities to tour a campus and to participate in campus activities. He signed up to travel with a group to enhance his experience. |