Ellie: I get a lot of students looking for help picking their courses. Eagle Service can be so confusing, and it’s difficult to figure out what courses are required. The faculty advisors book up so fast, especially during registration season!  

Frank: How to add a major/confirm their major and classes to take for it.  

Adela: “What classes should I take next?” is the most common question. I share my personal experience with HOMs and electives. I guide them through their major and show them how Eagle Service works, so they know how to see their track. When the student is in my major, I’m honest about what worked for me and what did not. Most students who ask are freshmen, so I try to give them the insights I wish I had when I was starting out. 

Michelle: To check their next semester schedule and if it looks okay in terms of being on track with their degree and an appropriate mix of major/minor/core classes. 

What’s a question you wish more students would ask? 

Ellie: I wish I got more undeclared students looking for guidance on picking a major, or students looking to get involved on campus. How I discovered my major and minor, and found my place at AU, are some of my favorite stories to tell! 

Frank: Help with sorting out their schedule.  

What’s a small piece of advice that actually makes a big difference? 

Ellie: Talk to your professors! They are almost always happy to help and love when students come by to just chat. I made strong connections with professors just by going to office hours! And be patient with your experience at AU. It takes time to find your place, your people, and what you enjoy. Freshman year can be difficult, but once you get settled it can be an amazing place!  

Frank: Do not fret too much, especially freshmen, because they have four years here, and they do not need to be very stressed with classes in semester one. 

Adela: Use your resources. Advisors, professors, and TAs want to help you succeed. Reaching out early makes academics, planning, and stress so much easier to manage. 

Michelle: If you think you want to go abroad, it is never too early to start researching programs and meeting with your academic advisor to make sure you can fit it in your four-year plan! (Especially for the STEM majors and double majors out there.) 

What’s one thing you wish you could tell your freshman-year self? 

Adela: Go to the peer advisors. We’re approachable, we understand the student perspective, and we love helping. I wish I had taken advantage of that when I was a freshman. Seeing how many students come to us now shows how valuable that support can be.  

Ellie: Probably to not stress so much about courses. I got all my Habits of Mind and major requirements out of the way super early, which was great, but I stressed myself out so much when everything worked out fine!  

Frank: Do not get too upset if I am not getting an ‘A’ in every quiz/test and look at things holistically because in the end I usually ended up with an ‘A’ in the class.  

Michelle: Take a more diverse selection of Habits of Mind and elective classes, not just things you already like. Of course you should do what you like but also be willing to put yourself outside of your comfort zone and take something you know absolutely nothing about—it really is worth it even if you don't end up enjoying the subject as much.

Why should students see a peer advisor? 

Adela: Peer advisors give real student perspectives. We’ve taken the classes, navigated the same challenges, and want to help others do the same. We want to guide you toward success in your degree. 

Ellie: Faculty advisors book up quick, and we can offer a lot of the same information they can! We also have our own experiences and can give real student perspectives on what we have encountered at AU.  

Frank: Because we are a great link between advisors and students. I think we provide more or less the same basic information and are a little more relatable.  

Michelle: We understand you on a different level and can talk through things you may not feel comfortable bringing up to your academic advisor. We can usually give advice based on our own first-hand experiences, which academic advisors just can't do. Plus, when the semester gets really busy, your advisor may not have room in their schedule to see you, and we can help with a lot of the same things they can! 

How do you balance your own classes, life, and being an advisor? 

Ellie: It can get difficult, but I make sure I utilize my free time wisely during the week so I can fully relax on the weekends. I rely on my friends, and when advising gets difficult, I lean on my fellow peers. Very often, Frank, Adela, Michelle, and I find ourselves going through similar things, and it helps to vent or ask them for help.  

Frank: Making a schedule and sticking to it for the most part. It ensures that I have consistency with my days. 

Adela: I stay productive by keeping a balanced schedule. I prioritize what’s most important each week and make time for classes, advising, and clubs. I’ve learned what routines help me stay grounded. I’ve also learned that taking care of myself first helps me perform better in everything else. 

Michelle: It's really important to set boundaries. I try to make time for each facet of my life and not let them bleed into each other. When my work hours are over, I stop working. When Friday night hits, I stop doing homework. It can be hard to stick to set times, but it's necessary for me.

What’s a campus resource more people should know about? 

Ellie: I don't really use it anymore, but the Math Lab and Writing Center saved me my freshman year!  

Frank: Peer Advisors. Besides us, the Division of Student Affairs.  

Just for fun: Describe your advising style in three words. 

Ellie: Chatty, personal, honest  

Frank: Relaxed, engaging, fun