By: Rafiul Islam | Guest Contributor
Dr. Jimmy Roux with a student in Schewel. Photo retrieved from http://www.lynchburg.edu
The University of Lynchburg’s Academic Advising office is operating with less than half its previous staff following last year’s budget cuts, forcing the remaining team to restructure how it supports students.
The advising staff was reduced from seven members to three. Johnny Francis, assistant director of academic advising, said the smaller team now faces a heavier workload with less flexibility.
“Previously, with more staff, it was less students, more attention, and more intensive service,” Francis said. “Now, it’s an increased amount of tasks with less flexibility.”
“We are still trying to give our 100% to the students we meet,” Director of Academic Advising Christina Olsen said. “But sometimes it does mean there’s not as much opportunity for us to meet with the students one-on-one as we would really like to.”
In response to the reduced capacity, the advising center has shifted its focus. Meg Dillon, assistant vice president of student support, said the team now concentrates primarily on onboarding new students.
“The advising team is working mainly with the incoming freshman and transfer students,” Dillon said. “Once students decide their major, they get connected with faculty advisors.”
Dillon said faculty advisors and department chairs have become “crucial” partners in ensuring students receive guidance after their first year. The university is relying on this collaborative model to maintain student support until further staffing changes are possible.
To schedule an appointment with an advisor, students can visit https://www.lynchburg.edu/academics/academic-offices-and-services/academic-advising/
