Initially, the office will focus on providing general support for the academic onboarding of new freshman and transfer students by creating a centralized hub of information and services that emphasizes connecting new students to existing resources within each college.
“The Office of Undergraduate Education will provide a framework for initiatives and projects created in collaboration with the University’s colleges to enhance undergraduate education across the institution,” says Amy Rebok Rosenthal, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and dean of Undergraduate Education.
Initially, the office will focus on providing general support for the academic onboarding of new freshman and transfer students by creating a centralized hub of information and services that emphasizes connecting new students to existing resources within each college. Additionally, the Office of Undergraduate Education will facilitate first-year support to help students identify and explore areas of interest while providing a curricular structure focused on key academic success factors, such as credit-hour and course completion.
The office also plans to coordinate summer programming for pre-college students that will introduce them to the University's culture and academic offerings. This programming will supplement the recruitment efforts of the Division of Marketing & Enrollment Management as well as the individual colleges.
“The Office of Undergraduate Education will function as an academic concierge service for undergraduate students,” says Aaron Moushon, who is moving into the new role of assistant dean for Undergraduate Initiatives. “We will work closely with Marketing & Enrollment Management, Academic Records, International Student Services & Programs as well as individual academic departments to provide efficient and timely customer service for academic issues,” says Moushon.
In his previous role as director of Academic Exploration and head of Advising Services, Moushon worked with programs such as Early College and Explore Andrews. These programs now will be housed within the Office of Undergraduate Education as they also provide academic support to undergraduate students. “The Explore Andrews Program exists to help students who are unsure of their undergraduate program find the best major for their abilities, talents and long-term career goals,” explains Moushon. “Students work with a dedicated academic advisor for one or two semesters and explore major and career options through individual advising, faculty engagement and job shadowing. In addition, we coordinate advising services and conduct yearly advisor training and development events for our staff and faculty advisors.”
In the Office of Undergraduate Education, Hayley Sanchez, who has a background in counseling and academic support, will serve as the undergraduate advising coordinator. She will work as a general advisor and liaison to faculty and program advisors.
Moushon and Sanchez also will work with the new director of Career Services to provide support for undergraduate vocational exploration, internships and networking.
Moushon reiterates that the Office of Undergraduate Education will offer academic support for all new and current undergraduate students. He says, “If a student is confused as to who can help solve a problem, we want them to come to our office as a central hub for information and campus service. Although we won’t solve every issue in our office, we will make sure that students know exactly which office or individual on campus can solve their problem and facilitate the connection.”
The Office of Undergraduate Education is located in Nethery Hall and can be reached at 269-471-3382 or via explore@andrews.edu.
Moriah McDonald, University Communication student writer
