OCOB Ann Rep 07-08 - Orfalea College of Business - Cal Poly San ...

OPERATIONSStudent leadersAdvising Center advisorsoffer guidance to peers alongcareer paths in businessStudents look to an advisor as asource of guidance, and they lookto their peers to share and enjoycommon social experiences.“If you combine the two, ahybrid position evolves, and thatis what we are – Peer Advisors,”says Emily Posselius. “Withinthis fusion, leadership becomes thekey to successful relationships withthe students.”As Peer Advisors at the OrfelaeaCollege of Business Advising Center,Posselius and John Vignocchi“strive to bridge the gap between theposition of counselor and friendwhile upholding reputable valuesand ethical standards. The PeerAdvising Model creates professionalrelationships with students whilerelating to them on a personal level.”The Advising Center team is adiverse group of individuals unitedby the common goal of helpingstudents graduate in a timely manner.In order to achieve this goal,they not only advise students in thethree curriculums, but also providethem with information about specificconcentrations and help to guidethem through the university’s complexpolicies and procedures.The Advising Center organizesand hosts multiple events for incomingstudents where leadership becomesa tool for all-around success.At Cal Poly’s Open House in April,Peer Advisors talk with acceptedstudents about the excellent educationCal Poly has to offer.The center also leads the SOARProgram (Student Orientation andAdvising Resources), which acquaintsincoming freshmen and transferswith the Orfalea College of Business.“Our main objective is to lead ourstudents to enjoy Cal Poly andgraduate on time.”– John VignocchiAdvising Center Director Kris McKinlayexplained curriculum, prerequisites andrequirements to enthusiastic incomingfreshmen last July.“We introduce them to thecurriculum, registration information,and offer insight into life at CalPoly,” says Vignocchi.A third event is Week of Welcome(WOW) Academic Day, heldevery September to introduce newstudents to the concentrations andencourage them to get involved inthe associated business clubs.Peer Advisors take on the mainleadership role during all events andstrive to create an environmentwhere students become educatedabout our college while still havingan enjoyable time.“Once the students are immersedin the Cal Poly culture, we continueto assist them along the way,” saysPosselius.During scheduled appointments,the advisors share available informationand help students plan theirschedules, discover their niche in aconcentration (by teaming up withJane Johnson at Career Services),and learn about college policies.“Our main objective is to leadour students to enjoy Cal Poly andgraduate on time,” says Vignocchi.“As a result, the Orfalea College’sgraduation rates have increased, andwe consistently maintain the highestgraduation rates among any of thecolleges at Cal Poly.”Posselius says that no matterwhat the activity, “We hold ourpositions to the highest standards sowe can best represent the OrfaleaCollege of Business. Our commitmentis not taken lightly, and ourdaily leadership bears constantrewards. We’re here for each andevery Orfalea College of Businessstudent – leading, guiding and workingto enhance the overall educationand experience at Cal Poly.”54 ❚ ANNUAL REPORT 2007-08