Strengths and Weaknesses of the Advising System at the University of Nebraska at Omaha
When discussing the advising system at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), it is important to consider both its strengths and potential weaknesses. This university, like many others, has a system in place to assist students with their academic journey, but it can vary in effectiveness from one department to another. Our focus here will be on personal experiences and insights from a student who navigated both the Arts and Science and the Nursing programs at UNO. This will provide a comprehensive view of what students might encounter.
Strengths of the Advising System
During the initial years, students may not have significant guidance, especially if they are in the Arts and Science department. This can be due to the breadth of subjects offered in this department, leading to a general approach to advising. However, as a student progresses, the availability and quality of academic advising can significantly improve. This was the case for our narrative where the transition from Arts and Science to the Nursing program at Creighton University marked a turning point.
Personalized Guidance and Support: The Nursing faculty at Creighton University provided personalized and extensive guidance to students. Unlike the initial advising, where the faculty advisor was less involved, the nursing program fostered a family-like environment with faculty who genuinely cared about the students' success. This level of support is particularly valuable for students in specialized programs where hands-on training and practical knowledge can make a considerable difference.
Practicality and Accessibility: The proximity of the St. Joseph’s Hospital, which is now Creighton University Medical Center, made it extremely convenient for students to attend clinicals and use the medical library. The hospital's location, just a couple of blocks away, facilitated seamless integration between theory and practice. Moreover, the hospital's status as a Level 1 trauma center in an indigent part of Omaha provided unique and valuable experiential learning opportunities for nursing students.
Weaknesses of the Advising System
Despite the overall positive experience, there were some areas where the advising system fell short. For instance, the general studies advisor provided limited assistance in course selection and registration. This was not a significant issue for the student who relied more on her own experiences and high school preparation to stay ahead in her coursework. However, this experience highlights the importance of having robust guidance, especially for freshmen who might feel overwhelmed or uncertain about their academic path.
Subject-Specific Discrepancies: The situation also underscores the variability in advisory experiences across different departments. For example, taking an introductory Pharmacy course from a Communications professor, while not impacting the overall academic journey in the long run, shows that the advisory system does not always align with the professional pathway students aim to follow.
Despite these discrepancies, the student successfully navigated through their programs, graduating within the desired timeframe and benefitting from the advantages of having chosen a slightly advanced course schedule.
Conclusion
The advising system at the University of Nebraska at Omaha can be strong but is not without its challenges. While it offers valuable support for specialized programs, it can sometimes fall short in providing generalized guidance, particularly in general studies. However, the experience of a nursing student from Creighton University highlights the potential strengths of personalized and practical support. Students should consider exploring the advising options available to them and seeking additional resources if they feel the need for more personalized assistance.