Making Advising Personal through

SkypePresented by:

Melissa Nabors, Academic Advisor

May 22, 2014

UCAN Conference

Advising at the Neeley School in ‘13

1943 Majors (1812 in 2012) 806 Minors First Year Class has grown from 565 in

2012 to 633 in 2013 4 Professional Advisors Dedicated Advising Center : The Neeley

Academic Advising Center (NAAC)

• Personal – At Neeley, we focus on personalized educational experiences that help you develop and succeed.

• Connected – Students develop strong connections & build relationships with business leaders, faculty and peers.

• Real – Neeley delivers a nationally recognized business education by combining innovative learning environments and real-world experiences.

Neeley strives to be

Advsing Problem

Increasing number of incoming First year students

Increased number of Change of Major students

Increased number of Transfer students

Solution = Skype Advising

What is Skype Advising ?

Skype is an online communication system that can connect you to your academic advisor in a unique way. By utilizing Skype, you can be anywhere and be able to contact your academic advisor for a “face to face” personalized advising session in with the assistance of your computer!

Advising via Skype

Advising Theory & Pedagogy

Advising Trends in Higher Education

The Future of Technology & Advising

Skype and FERPA

Is Skype FERPA compliant?

1. Skype Environment

2. Skype Advising Structure

3. Parents and Skype

Setting up Skype at Neeley

Examine Needs of Advising Office

1. Technology & Equipment Needed

2. Advising Process & Structure

3. Marketing of Program to Students

4. Training Program for Advisors

How Neeley Advisors Use Skype

Utilized during Summer Advising Season

During Orientation

Change of Major Students

International Students

Students NOT local that need advising

How Neeley Advisors Use Skype

Utilized during academic yearStudents studying abroad (year round)

During holiday breaks for students that

need additional advising help

International Students

Using Skype with Advisees

Skype Advising Process1. Offer Skype of appointments to students

during the summer season

2. Provide a clear guide to students prior to Advising Session

3. Appointment Reminder for student with photos to lessen anxiety about session

4. Provide Business “Skype” Etiquette expectations to our business students

How did Neeley Do It?

Spring 2012

Assessment of Needs

Technology Purchase

Learning Outcomes Established

Training Documents and Sessions

Student Friendly Documents

Customized Approach for Advisee Group

Getting Started with Skype

Types of Documents

Training Guide

Student Guide

Appointment Reminders

Student Guide for Skype

Skype FAQs  

Can I use Skype on phone? Yes, you can utilize Skype on your phone to speak with an advisor if needed. Ideally, it is easier to work with an advisor from a computer as the advisor will be able to share documents with you live and in real time. How do I know my advisor’s Skype name? Once you have made a Skype Advising Appointment with your advisor, he or she will send you an Instruction & Expectation guide that will include their Skype name and other helpful instructions for the appointment  

Business Etiquette for Skype

Remember you are going to be live on video. Make sure you are in a space that is quiet where you can concentrate, there isn’t a lot of background noise, and that will provide you access to your computer, etc. A restaurant, the library, or a bookstore may not be the best environment to call in.

Mobile devices utilizing Skype are popular, but consider calling in via computer and webcam.

This is a professional call. This is not a communication with your family or best friend. Make sure to treat this just as you would an in person appointment coming into the office. Be prepared for the conversation.

Do not use text speak when instant messaging.

Skype Sucesses

Change of Major students are more knowledgeable about Neeley Requirements

Transfer students are more knowledgeable about Neeley Requirements and have 1:1 advising to acclimate to TCU “systems” prior to Transfer Orientation

Advising load for Advisors are more manageable

Future Goals

Utilize technology more with individual advising appointments for perspective students that are NOT able to come to TCU

Market Skype availability to transfer students through admissions

Have “Skype” sessions for non-traditional students as a group advising model addition

Questions ?????