BELDEN, Miss. (WTVA) - At the Itawamba Community College Belden Center, both community and senior college advisors discussed a wide range of issues.
The group talked about financial aid, legal issues in advising, and academic services available for students.
It's important information needed by any student throughout their college career.
Kyle Ellis with Ole Miss, said, "Helping students adjust from high school senior to college freshman is very important and academic advisors play a strong role in that. They address academic issues to non-academic issues. It's basically helping with that transition into college."
The group also included discussions of new subject areas, that in the past, may not have been such an important part of a college advisor's job.
One of the latest challenges facing college advisors is keeping up with students and technology.
Mande Miller with ICC said, "Students really have gotten to where they don't check email as much as their Facebook account, Twitter account or Blackboard where their college courses are located. So, technology is going to be a key role in the future of advising."
Most colleges, if not all, have developed more online and other technology-based methods to reach their students.
Miller said, "Our public relations department allowed us to put an advising tab with advising resources. The students know exactly what courses to take for their specific major and how to remain on track to graduate."
That's the ultimate goal of these college leaders.
They say they just have to find the latest ways to reach students and then stay connected with them as they work toward a degree.
