Making Advising Personal through Skype by Melissa Nabors 2014 UNT Advising Conference #UNTAdv14 May 22, 2014 Collin College - Preston Ridge Campus

1. Making Advising Personal
through Skype
Presented by:
Melissa Nabors, Academic Advisor
May 22, 2014
UCAN Conference

2. 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)

3. • 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

4. Advsing Problem
 Increasing number of
incoming First year
students
 Increased number of
Change of Major
students
 Increased number of
Transfer students

5. Solution = Skype Advising

6. 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!

7. Advising via Skype
Advising Theory &
Pedagogy
Advising Trends in Higher
Education
The Future of Technology
& Advising

8. Skype and FERPA
Is Skype FERPA compliant?
1. Skype Environment
2. Skype Advising Structure
3. Parents and Skype

9. 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

10. How Neeley Advisors Use Skype
Utilized during Summer Advising Season
During Orientation
Change of Major Students
International Students
Students NOT local that need advising

11. How Neeley Advisors Use Skype
Utilized during academic year
Students studying abroad (year round)
During holiday breaks for students that
need additional advising help
International Students

12. Using Skype with Advisees
Skype Advising Process
1. 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

15. 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

16. Getting Started with Skype
Types of Documents
Training Guide
Student Guide
Appointment Reminders

17. Student Guide forSkype
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

18. Business Etiquette forSkype
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.

19. 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

20. 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

21. Questions ?????