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Advisors ‘instrumental’ to students’ academic, career success - Columbus State University Skip to Main Content

Advisors ‘instrumental’ to students’ academic, career success

October 28, 2024

Photo of Hallie Tanner

The National Center for Educational Statistics reports that about 80% of college students change their major at least once, and as many as three times or more. For some, that may be slightly refining their focus—like moving from chemistry to biology or accounting to economics. For others, the change could be more substantial.

Hallie Tanner, a Columbus State University senior and Columbus native, falls in the latter category. When Tanner chose to change her major from psychology to history, advisors in CSU Advise helped her navigate the change while staying on schedule to graduate.

“The advisors in CSU Advise have been instrumental in my academic journey and personal growth,” Tanner said. “The university’s advising program has been one of the most impactful resources I’ve had while at Columbus State. It provided guidance and reassurance as I worked to improve academically, navigate course selections and plan my major change—all while keeping me on track for graduation.”

Tanner explained that advisors were especially helpful when her grade point average fell and she was placed on university support status—proving, in her words, that “the value of the advising program goes beyond academics.

“Through the University Support System, I received the help I needed when I found myself struggling. When I was going through a difficult time in my life, struggling with my mental health and uncertain about my future, [CSU Advise was] there for me,” she said.

“They didn’t just see me as another student; they saw me as someone with potential. With their help, I began a journey toward personal growth and found a path that has allowed me to flourish,” she continued. “This connection made me feel valued and that I was more than just my GPA—it showed me that I was seen as a colleague and a friend.”

The university’s current redesign of its student success programs includes linking students' academic aptitude with their classroom studies, experiential learning opportunities like internships and professional networking, and their post-graduate career goals. This includes marrying academic advising in CSU Advise, career counseling assessments in the Counseling Center and career guidance and networking in the Center for Career Design.

Headshot of Melissa Young“Helping students connect their college studies with their ideal career combines academic, emotional and pragmatic strategies," explains Dr. Melissa Young, assistant vice president for student success (pictured). "That’s at the center of realigning our student success programs to benefit students like Hailey—from the core curriculum and advising, to career counseling and equipping students to succeed in the ever-changing job market.”

Through that approach, Tanner is flourishing in her new major. She’s found a home specializing in the geographic information systems program and serving as president of the History Club. She also is the scribe for the university’s new Korean Defense Veterans Association chapter and traveled with other Hyundai Motor Group Scholars this past summer on a study abroad trip to South Korea.

“[Through this process,] I also discovered the field of geographic information systems, which has since become my passion. Now, I am pursuing a certificate in GIS and planning to continue my studies at the master’s level,” she said.

Group of college students standing in an observation deckTanner (second from left), her classmates and the "Tower Lota" Sky Friend, standing in the Seoul Sky observation deck more than 1,600 feet above the South Korean landscape during their summer 2024 study abroad trip.


What does Tanner say to her classmates who dread the notice to meet with their advisors?

“I can confidently say that without CSU’s advising program, I wouldn’t have achieved the success I have today. My advisors were critical to my journey, and because of them, I feel more secure about my future than ever before,” she said. “That’s why I believe it’s essential for every student to take advantage of CSU’s advising resources and form meaningful relationships with their advisors. These relationships are what help us not only succeed academically but also grow as individuals.”


Media contact: Michael Tullier, APR, Executive Director of Strategic Communication + Marketing, 706.507.8729, mtullier@columbusstate.edu