Creating The Refocusing Academic Advisement Network

Concurrent Session 6

Session Materials

Brief Abstract

Refocusing Academic Advisement Networks is a form of early transfer outreach that combines a web based virtual learning environment with a pre-orientation workshop that takes place on an island in a virtual-reality world. The goal of RAAN is to provide transfer students with information on how to register for classes and develop a community upon incoming  students.

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Rolando Valentin Jr, University at Albany

Rolando Valentin is the Coordinator for Undergraduate Advisement in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University at Albany, State University of New York. He has been working in the field of higher education for over 5 years and has recently completed his Masters of Arts in Learning and Emerging Technology through Empire State College. During his master’s program he focused his final thesis on creating a curriculum project that will ideally better enhance the transfer experience.

Tags

Learner Services and Support

Extended Abstract

Transfer advisement at times can be an extremely daunting task especially when it comes to incoming transfer student orientations. Traditionally at orientation these students are required to spend significant time at workshops that may seem overwhelming. As a result, by the time they are introduced to the department, some students may be disinterested or frustrated with the process of registering for courses. Thus, Refocusing Academic Advisement Networks (RAAN) was created. RAAN is a form of early transfer outreach that combines a web based virtual learning environment with a pre-orientation workshop that takes place on an island in a virtual-reality world. The goal of RAAN is to provide transfer students with information on how to register for classes, develop a community upon students, and ultimately have these students pre-registered with the hopeful end result of a smoother transition during the face-to-face orientation.