Team Members Schultz and Webb Honored for Advising Effectiveness

The Outstanding Advising and Mentoring Program Award is presented to an academic or support unit for innovative and/or exemplary programs and practices resulting in the improvement of student success. This year, the award recipients are two members of Bowling Green State University’s College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering (CTAAE) advising team: Lori Schultz, assistant director of advising, and Melissa Webb, adviser.

Presented at the annual Faculty Excellence Awards on April 9, the recognition includes $2,000 for further support and expanded services to students.

The team models the attitude: “A college about technology ought to pioneer use of technology.”

According to Dr. Venu Dasigi, interim dean of the college, the differences Schultz and Webb have made to the college’s methods of supporting students are fundamental and personal. They “understand the various dimensions of their role, and have fulfilled it very effectively,” he said, adding that the two understand the importance of working closely with other BGSU academic departments and have created new initiatives such as group advising.

Schultz and Webb carefully research each student’s academic situation and respond accordingly. Interim Associate Dean Todd Waggoner said they “demonstrate sensitivity toward others, exhibit an exceptional commitment to teamwork and efficiency of operation, and possess a superior commitment to continuous quality improvement and student success.”

The Outstanding Advising and Mentoring Program Award focuses on student development and success and innovative initiatives and programs, values embraced by Schultz and Webb, said their nominators. They combine the technological and the personal to meet each student’s needs and the needs of the college.

Dr. Andreas Luescher, a professor, interim chair of the Department of Architecture and Environmental Design and graduate coordinator, said Schultz and Webb “have an impressive record such as providing leadership in advising, enrollment management, transfer evaluations and undergraduate planning. They are utilizing every tool available, both through face-to-face and web-based communication with students. Their advising goals are to bring out the best in each individual. With an emphasis on student success and student retention, [Schultz and Webb] have tremendously achieved that through innovative quality and creative advising.”

“[Webb] listens to you closely, and this is really important because as students we really need someone who listens to us and guides us through our journey,” said Engineering Technology student Ahmed Alsalim. “Responding and solving the problem is her key.” Webb helped his college career by making an individual plan for him, Alsalim said.

Sophomore Alexis Nicole Allen agreed, describing Webb as the “true glue” of her college career who makes sure that she gets the most out of her BGSU experience. “Melissa’s thoughtfulness and compassion for her students is what got me through this last semester,” Allen said. “She has faithfully supported and guided my academic career perfectly.”

Visual Communications Technology student Collin Stephens said Schultz “is my academic adviser and in a sense a mother figure away from home.” According to Stephens, “[Schultz]never rushes me away. If I miss my appointment, she will always reach out and figure out why. I feel Lori is more than qualified for the Outstanding Advising and Mentoring Award because she saved me and has made me grow to love who I am and believed in my academic abilities when I did not.”