What is your role as a Program Counselor?
As the Program Counselor for the School of Nursing, I provide academic planning and advising to first year and sophomore undergraduate Nursing majors, as well as to all undergraduate students in the Integrative Health and Wellness Program. Program Counselors for each School (Business, Engineering, and Nursing) and the College of Arts and Sciences provide specific academic planning services for students enrolled in programs within that School or College. Students should visit a Program Counselor for 4-year planning, choosing courses for registration, planning for Study Abroad, discussing summer or transfer coursework, adding majors or minors, or exploring general career options related to specific programs. Program Counselors also assist with UP Orientation and Visitation, so they’re a great resource to answer first-year and transfer student questions!
What is your favorite part about being a Program Counselor?
My favorite part about being a Program Counselor is working with our amazing students. I am student centered and strive to offer my help to them as college is new and sometimes stressful, especially in this current time when we are working and learning remotely. Thankfully I have a background with online advising and have received extensive training in holistic advising as well. I am a first-generation student and American, and it is important to me to let my students know that I am here for support and that they can come to me with any questions. I look forward to watching them grow within the program and become amazing nurses.
How can students make the most of their relationship with their Program Counselor?
Visit us often (once per semester is great) and come prepared with questions. Remember that Program Counselors are experts in academic planning, but we also know a lot about the University as a whole. If you’re looking for an on-campus job, wondering how that academic minor might help with your career pursuits, or want to talk about resources on campus, we’re a great place to start. Especially when you’re not sure who to talk to, reach out to your Program Counselor. We’re happy to help!
Click here to find out how your student can contact their Program Counselor.
If a student’s mid-term grades aren’t where they want them to be, what advice would you give someone who wants to finish off the semester strong?
Here are a few things for students to keep in mind:
- Connect with resources on campus to get the support you need to succeed. Are you having trouble grasping the concepts in your math class? Checkout the Math Resource Center in the Learning Commons. Is test anxiety causing you stress? Contact Brother Thomas Giumenta, Learning Assistance Counselor. Accessible Education Services (AES) offers testing and study accommodations to students who are eligible. Professors can review course concepts with you during office hours if you have additional questions after a lecture. Find a group of students in your class to study with over Microsoft Teams. There are lot of ways to work towards pulling your grade up!
- Calculate your grade in the course. Using the course syllabus, make a list of the assignments that you’ve completed so far, and the grades received. Next, look at the assignments left in the class and the points possible for each one. Note if participation points, or other points, can still be obtained for the class. Calculate the grades you would need to receive on the remaining assignments to get the overall grade you want. A professor or Program Counselor can help you do this calculation if you would like assistance.
- Know your options moving forward. Once you’ve calculated your possible grade moving forward, you can make a choice on how to best proceed. Most of the time, this means putting together a plan for success (attending class, taking good notes, studying for a certain number of hours per week, etc.). However, if you know that the highest possible grade you can get for the course is a D, then you may consider withdrawing from the class and retaking it at another time. If the class is not required for the University Core or your major, you may consider changing the grade for that course to “Pass/No Pass.” Please note that the last date to withdraw from a course or to change to Pass/No Pass has been extended to Monday, November 30. You may also decide that a D is an acceptable grade for this course and that you will work toward obtaining that grade. Consider all your options and choose the one that’s best for you.
Do you have any tips to share with students for alleviating concerns or stress regarding class registration?
It’s very normal for students to not get into all the courses they want each semester. I experienced this myself as an undergraduate student, and I know that most first-year students feel anxious during their first registration experience. However, keep in mind that you won’t be off track to graduate in four years! Make a “Plan A” for registration (the courses you really want to register for), and then make a list of alternative courses that could be used for backup. If it comes time to register and you find that one of your preferred courses is closed or full, try registering for a course on your backup list. If you cannot get into a course that you believe is required for your major and must be taken during a specific semester, please reach out to your Program Counselor for assistance. There will always be a way to get you into the courses that are required to keep you on track.
What are the most important dates and deadlines for students to know for advising and spring class registration?
In general, students will want to make an appointment with their advisor between mid-October and early November to prepare for registration.
Students who are Athletes, Honors, or have AES priority registration will be contacted by the associated office with important registration deadlines. Registration forms will be due to these offices earlier than the regular registration period.
Students can register themselves for classes online through Self-Serve at the time designated on the Registrar’s website. Student registration times are randomly selected each year by the Registrar’s office. This year, registration will take place November 9-12, 2020 (for seniors/juniors) and November 15-18 (for sophomores/first-years). Students can continue to register after their initial registration period. Registration stays open through the first week of the following semester.
Kristen Kordecki is the School of Nursing Program Counselor. Kristen completed her bachelor’s degree in Integrative Arts & Sciences from The University of Washington, Tacoma, and also has a certification in Baking & Pastry from the Art Institute of Seattle. As a FGEN (First Generation Student) and first generation American she as a unique perspective on the college experience. Her vision is to see all students reach their fullest potential by engaging in campus programming, developing meaningful professional and personal relationships, and leaving college with the skills and passion to pursue lifelong dreams. When she’s not working, Kristen enjoys baking/cooking, costuming, hiking, and spending time with her husband and their dog Sadie.