Short Description
Q&A with Deb Dotterer-Asst Dean of University Advising

 

Academic Specialist Advisory Committee Table Talk Series

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Room 443 HAB

 

12:30  p.m. - 1:30 p.m.         Guest Speaker :

Deb  Dotterer, Assistant Dean of University Advising

 

QUESTIONS

  1. As the Assistant Dean for University Advising, how do you organize, plan, and prioritize your work? I think I answered this during the meeting (not as well organized as I hope to be)

 

  1. What are the biggest issues facing advisors on campus right now?  I believe the biggest issues facing advisors right now is the amount of change on campus (new tools, leadership etc.) as well as our ever changing student population particularly in the area of mental health.

 

Ill.        How do you focus your networking activities on areas that add value, without getting committed to activities/groups that require time and effort but don't yield much?  Answered during session.

 

  1. Everyone has workloads that spillover. What suggestions do you have to facilitate networking that doesn't over burden already tight agendas? Answered during the session.

 

  1. I heard of a new system for undergrad programs­ canyou share more about the changes  and  how it's intended to enhance student experience.  The new student information system (Campus Solutions) will move MSU into a more modern age of data storage and reporting.  It will provide the University with a significantly more robust student data system and allow us to make the system available to students on a 24-hour basis (our current system shut down all weekend and every night at 8:00pm during enrollment).  Students will be able to easily see progress toward their degree and any notifications and alerts they may have in a mobile friendly format.

 

  1. What examples have you seen of how community building and networking have assisted with Specialists success inside and outside the university? What are some ways for Specialists to engage in networking outside of the university that would benefit promotion to continuing and senior appointment status?  Answered this during session.

 

  1. What do you recommend for new advisors who want to get connected to MSU outside their specific units/colleges?  Answered during the session.

 

  1. How can instructors better understand what goes on in advising conversations with respect to the courses that they teach?  I think it is important to develop a relationship with academic advisors in your department and be able to ask them what they are hearing about your courses.  In most cases the advisor will relay what they know about course content and feedback they have heard from students about the course.  They welcome information directly from the instructors about the courses as it informs their conversations with students.

 

  1. What is the difference between building community and networking? Is one more important than the other? Answered during the session.

 

  1. What are some best strategies to let other departments know you are willing & able to collaborate?  Answered during the session.

 

  1. What advise to you give a person working in a CT role on campus but who wants to transition into specialist/advising? Besides finishing a MA/MS degree, how can they prepare themselves for applying to an advising position?  Answered during the session.

 

  1. As a new professional at MSU I do not    have a very large MSU network yet. What recommendations do you have for building community within our roles when we do not know who to contact?  Answered during the session.

 

  1. What is the best way to connect with colleagues remotely? Face to face works best, but often opportunities to connect from off-site locations is limited.  Answered during the session.

 

  1. What are some effective ways we can network with

other departments and colleges in MSU to build a more interactive and cohesive community?  Answered during the session.

 

  1. What suggestions do you have to build a strong network when new to MSU?  Answered during the session.

 

  1. How do you handle non-responsive team members?  If this is specific to overall non-responsiveness within a team then it is important to outline expectations of each team member and their engagement with the team and external engagement beyond the team.  You should provide examples for the employee as to how they should be engaging and demonstrate the behaviors you want to see in the team member.  Should the team member continue to be unresponsive this matter needs to be addressed during regular one on one meetings and annual reviews as a part of professional development expectations.  If this is in relation to networking and community building specifically, then much of the same applies but connecting the team member with a team member who is actively engaged (perhaps in a mentoring situation) may assist the employee in understanding the benefits of a network.