Proposal.

Every university campus has its flaws. One of UNCW's biggest flaws is the lack of guidance provided to students. Sure, we have advisors that are supposed to help us through our decision-making and ensure that we stay on track and graduate on time. The problem is that our advisors sometimes do not know exactly what they are talking about when it comes to our individual needs, and on many occasions I have heard of people not graduating on time due to false guidance. Some students were encouraged to take classes that they later determined were unnecessary and a waste of time. Others were told that one class could take the place of another requirement, and one semester and lots of hard work later, came to find out this was not actually the case. I am not saying that ALL advisors are incompetent, but many have made a mistake here and there that have led to big consequences.

How, you may wonder, do I propose we fix this problem? I think the best way to avoid these stressful mistakes is to have an advising conference for all student advisors. The conference can provide an overview of basic studies requirements and what is expected of them and their students, and then may break the advisors into groups based upon majors and concentrations. Each advisor will be provided with specific guidelines and requirements that are crucial for their advisees. Any questions they may have will be answered. After the conference, everyone will be on the same page and will be much more informed on their concentrations and what is expected of them. With the advisors being more knowledgeable and aware of changes and happenings within their departments, they will be able to better assist their students and make for a less stressful academic career. Students will ultimately stay on track throughout their four years of college, and will not have to be concerned with taking extra, unnecessary courses that could set them back.