Academic advisors are key to student success

“Make the connection. It will make all the difference.”

That’s Anna Dunlap’s advice for both prospective and current Iowa State students when it comes to working with their academic advisors.

Dunlap (’26 public relations, graphic design) followed her own advice when she came to Iowa State, quickly developing a sound working relationship with her College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) advisor, Tyler Schoh.

“A strong relationship with your advisor is so important. Tyler has been a guiding force behind my success at Iowa State, and without having that safe place to talk about my future, I would honestly feel lost,” Dunlap said. “Knowing someone on campus has your best interests at heart is unmatched.”

A big, important job

With 21 departments, one professional school, more than 50 majors, and over 20 cross-disciplinary programs, it’s no surprise that nearly 25% of all Iowa State students call LAS their academic home. A robust learning environment like this requires a large student support system as well.

LAS academic advising is divided into five curricular units – natural and physical sciences, mathematical and computer science, social sciences, communications and humanities, and college programs. Each major in the college falls into one of these units, and students are assigned to an academic advisor in their degree area. In total, there are 34 advisors who serve LAS students.

Beyond academics

Academic advisors’ primary responsibility is helping students select classes and prepare a graduation plan. That’s just one aspect of their roles, however, and sometimes it’s not even the most significant part. For many students, academic advisors are their primary points of contact at the university.

When prospective students visit Iowa State, academic advisors are integral to the recruitment process, meeting with students and their parents to field a variety of questions. Once students enroll in the university, they frequently interact with their advisors through orientation courses and learning communities.

“[Advising] is far more than just helping students pick out courses, but that’s certainly part of it,” said Jennifer Owens, LAS director of student services and an advisor herself. “Helping them plan their degree, referring them to resources they might need, whether that be health and well-being-related, internships, or research opportunities. We help them connect to the things that are going to help them have a good experience here, whatever that looks like for them.”

A reliable resource

Schoh said it’s his responsibility as an advisor to know which resources students need on campus, whether that’s for health and wellness, career planning, or advanced learning opportunities.

“We help students pick out classes and we make sure they are on track for graduation, but we’re really here to help them navigate through Iowa State University,” Schoh said. “We want to field questions, we want to help students. What I want students and parents to know about their academic advisor is that we’re here to help and it doesn’t just have to be academic advising questions.”

LAS Advisor Alexis Atkinson shares her students’ enthusiasm and is eager to assist them with whatever they need.

“I love hearing what students get excited about,” she said. “They’ve got some really cool opportunities that they find, or we present to them. They get so excited; it makes me excited.”

Grace Michael (’27 biology) appreciates Atkinson’s enthusiasm for students and her supportive, positive attitude.

“She is always very helpful and happy to see me. She provides great advice and support when I need it,” Michael said. “Despite the fact that she is so busy with all her students, she really makes each person feel special and understood.”

Danielle Nagaito (’26 biology, Spanish) says the student-advisor relationship works both ways. She recommends students try to regularly meet with their advisors.

“Students should be proactive with their advisors,” she said. “They should meet at least once a semester, even if everything seems to be going well. They should also prepare for those meetings by having their goals in mind, bringing questions, and reviewing their degree plan.”

Lasting impact

Students who choose to “make the connection” and develop a close working relationship with their academic advisors at Iowa State often stay in touch following graduation. Owens said she continues to communicate with many of her former students years after they leave campus.

“I’ve been doing this for 26 years, and I have advisees that I still am in contact with from my very first years,” she said. “I think that a good advisor really can leave a lasting impact on the student far into the future, be a resource they can reconnect with.”