Academic Advising

Elli Ambros named Mason’s 2023 Undergraduate Academic Advisor of the Year

Colleen Rich — Mon, 15 May 2023 14:50:42 +0000

Elli Ambros named Mason’s 2023 Undergraduate Academic Advisor of the Year Colleen Rich Mon, 05/15/2023 - 10:50

Elli Ambros from the ��AV’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences was recently named the V. Ann Lewis Academic Advisor of the Year in recognition of her outstanding care and commitment to supporting undergraduates’ academic achievement.

Elli Ambros is Academic Advisor of the Year. Photo provided

Nearly 500 students nominated more than 100 academic advisors from across the university for the award.

“I am truly honored, grateful, and humbled to receive this award and recognition. Academic advising and working with students in a higher education setting has always been a passion of mine,” Ambros said. “Receiving numerous quality nominations is affirmation my contributions and efforts have made a positive impact.”

Ambros finds that building meaningful relationships with students and helping them achieve their academic goals is the most rewarding part of her advising role.

“I feel I have strong connections and rapport with most students by creating and providing a nonjudgmental, unbiased, and welcoming environment. After establishing a symbiotic and inclusive partnership, I actively listen to the student’s ideas, goals and concerns, and advise them accordingly,” she said. “Through collaborative efforts, we interpret and navigate Mason’s systems, curriculums, and resources. Assisting students to recognize their own strengths, potential, and resilience is the ultimate satisfaction.”

The students who work with Ambros value the connection and see her as an integral part of their academic success.

“Elli’s guidance and support have been invaluable to me throughout my academic journey,” said criminology, law and society major Max Vaughn, one of the students who nominated Ambros. “She has a fantastic ability to listen and understand each student’s unique situation and she always goes beyond to provide personalized advice and encouragement. She is an excellent academic advisor, mentor, and friend who genuinely cares about her students’ success.”

The top 10 Mason undergraduate academic advisors are also recognized from the same pool of student nominations for Academic Advisor of the Year:

Martin Abruzzo, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Jada Crocker, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Julio Diaz, College of Public Health
Mary Getsey Bernier, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Ibrahim Kargbo, College of Public Health
Kurt Lazaroff, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Deborah Polayes, College of Science
Carson Tatton, School of Business
Kristin Tyburczy, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Vernell Wilks, College of Engineering and Computing

In addition, Shabnam Rezai of the School of Business received the Patriot Inspiration Award. This award recognizes a member of the Mason academic advising community who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to, understanding of, and application of effective diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in their academic advising of students.

Claudia Borke of the College of Computing and Engineering received the Unsung Hero Award, which recognizes a member of the Mason academic advising community who demonstrates strong advocacy for students within an academic unit or the university. This advisor is committed to a “student-first” perspective in academic advising practice by going above and beyond to advocate for students, or students in a particular population.

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Academic Advising

Provost Newsletter

Tiffany Sandstrum named Mason’s 2022 Undergraduate Academic Advisor of the Year

Colleen Rich — Thu, 12 May 2022 18:46:40 +0000

Tiffany Sandstrum named Mason’s 2022 Undergraduate Academic Advisor of the Year Colleen Rich Thu, 05/12/2022 - 14:46

Tiffany Sandstrum (right) with Cobi Matsumoto, the student who nominated her. Photo provided

Tiffany Sandstrum from the ��AV’s College of Education and Human Development was recently named the V. Ann Lewis Academic Advisor of the Year in recognition of her outstanding care and commitment to supporting undergraduates’ academic achievement.

More than 600 students nominated 134 academic advisors from across the university for the award.

“I am honored to receive the V. Ann Lewis Academic Advisor of the Year award. I only hope that I can be the kind of advisor Ms. Lewis was,” Sandstrum said. “When I learned that I would receive the award, I was shocked and humbled that my students would think to nominate me. Winning reminds me how incredibly lucky I am to work with such amazing students every day.”

Supporting students and encouraging them to follow their dreams is what drives Sandstrum to excel in her work.

“College students, many who are away from home for the first time, need to know that they have advocates on campus. Academic advising allows me to help them with their programs but also allows me to be that safe space for them,” she said.

“One of the greatest qualities Ms. Sandstrum has is her ability to listen and support someone unconditionally,” said kinesiology major Cobi Matsumoto, who nominated Sandstrum. I've never felt judged or looked down on by her; she made me feel welcome and safe. I couldn't have gotten through it all without her.”

The top 10 Mason undergraduate academic advisors are also recognized from the same pool of student nominations for Academic Advisor of the Year:

Ann Ludwick, Schar School of Policy and Government
Michael Hurley, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Claudia Borke, College of Engineering and Computing
Krystal Dains, College of Engineering and Computing
Mary Getsey Bernier, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Valerie Bartush, College of Education and Human Development
Jane Walker, Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution
Matt Green, Schar School of Policy and Government
Robert Yi, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Martin Abruzzo, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

In addition, two new faculty or staff nominated undergraduate academic advisor awards were created this year. Sara Montiel of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences received the Patriot Inspiration Award. This award recognizes a member of the Mason academic advising community who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to, understanding of, and application of effective diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in their academic advising of students.

Jasmyne Rogers of the Honors College received the Unsung Hero Award, which recognizes a member of the Mason academic advising community who demonstrates strong advocacy for students within an academic unit or the university. This advisor is committed to a “student-first” perspective in academic advising practice by going up and beyond the distance to advocate for students, or students in a particular population.

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Academic Advising

Michael B. Hock

Wasiq Muhammad Muhammad Ali — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 16:45:21 +0000

Michael B. Hock Wasiq Muhammad… Tue, 04/05/2022 - 12:45

Academic Advisor, Honors College

Contact Information

Email: mhock2@gmu.edu
Phone: 703.993.1110
Mailstop: Honors College, MSN 1F4
Campus: Fairfax
Office: Buchanan Hall 205

Biography

Michael is an academic advisor in the Honors College at ��AV. He enjoys writing comedy, and has been published in Cracked, Points in Case, and Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine. He also enjoys reading, particularly Young Adult Literature and exploring the intersection of classic and modern literature. He is currently working on a novel that explores humanity's relationship with social media (but is also funny.)

Selected Publications

Hock, Michael "The Artisan Cheese Incident" Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine November/December Issue 2022.

Education

MFA, Fiction, ��AV 2021

MEd, Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, ��AV 2017

MA, Literature, ��AV 2016

BA, English, ��AV, 2001

Tahmina Rahman is Mason’s 2021 Academic Advisor of the Year

Mariam Aburdeineh — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 16:58:31 +0000

Tahmina Rahman is Mason’s 2021 Academic Advisor of the Year Mariam Aburdeineh Thu, 04/29/2021 - 12:58

Tahmina Rahman is the 2021 Academic Advisor of the Year.

Tahmina Rahman in ��AV’s Honors College has been named the V. Ann Lewis Academic Advisor of the Year, in recognition of outstanding care and commitment to supporting undergraduates’ academic achievement.

Nearly 800 students nominated 130 advisors from across the university for the award.

“Winning this award is a reminder of the generosity and kindness of my students,” Rahman said. “I have always been blessed to work with wonderful students, and the Honors College students at Mason have been among the most kind, respectful, and amazing students I have worked with thus far in my career.”

Rahman, who is originally from Bangladesh and immigrated to the United States at age 6, said working with students and helping them persevere and achieve in their academic journey is her favorite part of the job.

When Hannah Milikich, a junior double-majoring in biology and chemistry, went to her first academic advising appointment, she said she was very nervous and did not know what to expect. But Rahman’s kind and welcoming nature immediately put her at ease.

“Ms. Rahman helped me figure out everything I needed to know about my schedule and how to prepare for classes moving forward,” Milikich said.

“I love how proactive she is, which she always shows by asking questions about my future plans and how I want to prepare,” Milikich said, adding that if Rahman wasn’t an expert in a specific area, she would do the research and refer her to people and resources who could help. “You really can’t find a better, more helpful advisor.”

In Rahman’s nominations, students also wrote about how she has also been a source of support, motivating them to strive for their personal best.

“This award wouldn’t have been possible without the support, unconditional love, and welcoming spirit of my Honors College colleagues, my supervisor Vanessa Correa, and the advising community at Mason,” Rahman said. “I wouldn’t be able to effectively advise my students if I couldn’t lean on and learn from my colleagues.”

The top 10 Mason advisors who received the most student nominations were also recognized by the university:

Robert Yi, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Michael Hurley, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Claudia Borke, College of Engineering and Computing
Krystal Dains, College of Engineering and Computing
Jaclyn Beasley, School of Business
Maria Perez, College of Health and Human Services
Valerie Olmo, College of Science
Thomas Winston, College of Engineering and Computing
Sara Simanski, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Lori Yi, College of Visual and Performing Arts

Topics

Academic Advising

Awards

Honors College

Faculty and Staff News

Honors College's Tahmina Rahman Recognized with V. Ann Lewis Academic Advisor of the Year Award

rstaffo2 — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 17:25:00 +0000

Honors College's Tahmina Rahman Recognized with V. Ann Lewis Academic Advisor of the Year Award rstaffo2 Fri, 04/16/2021 - 13:25

Congratulations to Tahmina Rahman, Honors College Advisor, for being the recipient of this year’s V. Ann Lewis Academic Advisor of the Year Award!

In its 17th year, this award is designed to recognize excellence in undergraduate academic advising.

Honors College advisor Tahmina Rahman was recognized after receiving a remarkable 50 unique student nominations, reflecting the appreciation that her service and commitment to students has generated. Tahmina Rahman advises most Honors College students who are majoring in the College of Science and is well known for going above-and-beyond to support all of the students with whom she works.

The V. Ann Lewis Academic Advisor of the Year Award includes a stipend, gift package, and the title of Academic Advisor of the Year.

Ms. Rahman received this award for:

Demonstrating a caring, helpful attitude toward students;
Providing accurate information regarding university academic requirements;
Being available to students;
Creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students;
Making appropriate referrals;
Having a firm knowledge of Mason regulations, policies, and procedures; and
Supporting student development.

Ms. Rahman has always been extremely helpful and knowledgeable when helping me figure out what classes to take, but she also is a valuable resource for finding extra opportunities such as research or further education applications, which she has provided me with every single time we've met. I'm also a student-athlete, which she understands and takes into account when I talk about wanting to design my schedule around practice times as well as having heavier loads in the spring. She was also not fazed when I told her over halfway through my sophomore year that I wanted to add a whole new major, and she's helped me make sure I can graduate on time with both degrees. She is also just a very kind and understanding person, and I really wish she was a professor so I could take her class. The thing that stands out about her to me is how attentive she is: she remembers everything I tell her about what classes I want/need to take, what I'm interested in pursuing, and anything else that happens to come up. She's never steered me wrong, and I think I am definitely lucky to have had her as my advisor.

Hannah Milikich

Tahmina Rahman is an excellent advisor. She cares deeply for the well-being and success of all of the students she advises. In my personal opinion, she has an exceptionally difficult challenge in managing all of the panicky pre-health, Honors College, science majors, such as myself. And it is a challenge that she rises to and conquers with grace.

Anonymous student

Ms. Tahmina Rahman has honestly been such a source of comfort in these uncomfortable times. Throughout my time at Mason, I have met with several advisors, some of which have been more helpful than others. Ms. Rahman has undoubtedly stood out as the most knowledgeable, helpful, and genuinely caring for her students. Sometimes, I'd feel that the effort needed for my advisors to see my concerns and help me come up with a viable solution was more nerve-wrecking than it was helpful. In stark contrast, Ms. Rahman has been able to identify problems that I wouldn't have initially accounted for and has helped me through them meticulously. When faced with a complicated issue, lengthy request, or complex question, Ms. Tahmina has been my go-to. She is always ready to go above and beyond, and she has the expertise to back it up. I recommend Ms. Tahmina Rahman for the Academic Advisor of the Year Award without reservation.

Malek Salhab

My advisor should win the academic advisor award for many reasons! She has continuously been a supporting system for me as she always motivates me and pushes me to do my best. She always reaches out to me and makes sure that I am doing well, in addition to sending me information and numerous opportunities that I may be interested in. Most importantly, she truly listens to what I am saying. She remembers the little details and anecdotes I tell her about many months later. She encourages me to be my best self both in the classroom and out. I am honored to be nominating my personal favorite advisor - Mrs. Rahman.

Anonymous student

Mrs. Rahman is my Honors College Academic advisor, but outside of the honors college she has been so helpful with classes, interests outside of the university, and overall just helping me to adjust to my first year of college. When I have had conversations via email with her she is always doing more than what is required of her and the resources she provides for students are very useful! Even with issues in my major she has been a big help and is someone I know that I can rely on when it comes to my college experience!

Reagan Marrale

I believe Tahmina Rahman is an exemplary Academic Advisor and has supported me ever since she started serving as an advisor for the Honors College at Mason. She is very professional and knowledgeable as well as being personable and genuinely caring for the success of her students. I was going through a difficult time my Sophomore year, but Tahmina offered her support and helped me through it. I know she has done the same for the hundreds of students who have met with her. It is with great pleasure that I nominate Tahmina Rahman as the Academic Advisor of the Year and I hope the committee will be able to recognize her amazing work at Mason.

Sahar Rizwan

I first met Tahmina in my Spring Semester of 2019 as a Freshman. I believe it was also her first semester then as well in her role as an Academic Advisor for Science Majors within the Honors College. Tahmina has always sought to offer the best she can to her students, working diligently to ensure our needs are met. She has been there to support me through my journey here at Mason, and has simply been a vital role to my success as a student. She offers support and encouragement in many ways, and I have never left an appointment with her feeling confused, worried, or concerned about my semesters ahead. Rather, I leave feeling secure, supported, and encouraged. I'm blessed that in my third year as a Mason student, we have both learned and grown.

Sean Diment

Tahmina has been an immense help for me since my freshman year at Mason. She's been an invaluable resource in getting me on track with my classes. She has answered all of my questions thoroughly and, most importantly, accurately. She's genuine and also looks out for what opportunities there are for me, and I honestly don't know where I'd be without her.

Anonymous student

Tahmina has helped me so much this year, especially as a freshman in time of chaos. Summer of last year I was very confused as to what classes I needed to take in order to be in the right direction for my major. We emailed back and forth and set up a time in which she was very helpful in helping me create a schedule for fall. Throughout the semester we continued to be in contact and recently, she informed me about a summer program regarding medical school and networking. As a freshman, I feel like she has helped me so much in such little time and every time we talk, she makes me feel more secure in the steps and classes I'm taking towards my major. She is a kind and understanding person and I honestly would have been even more lost and confused this first year of college without her.

Lesley Garay Reyes

Ms. Rahman is truly a gem and I am honored to have been acquainted with her since my Freshman year. She was there with me, every step of the way through my pre-med journey, and as I was selected for an early selection medical school program. She helped me get in touch with fellow Honors College students who share the same interests as me, and who helped serve as a guide as I navigated difficult upper level science coursework. Not only does she respond to each and every communication, she also remembers her students, follows up with them, and checks in on them every semester. She is truly an asset to the Honors College and Mason!

Anonymous student

I was extremely nervous and intimidated entering Mason as a freshman, and Ms. Rahman eased a lot of the tension away by sitting with me through multiple meetings and patiently explaining potential academic routes available to me as well as any opportunities available that are unique to my major. She is very knowledgeable about the College of Science and if there was a question I posed that she was unsure of, she made sure to connect me to appropriate faculty and followed up to ensure that my concerns were addressed. Additionally, she always sends follow-up emails during the semester to check in with students and is a great help in regards to planning out my schedule for future semesters to balance all of my major requirements and any additional classes I want to take. Ms. Rahman is my first point of contact about any academic or personal needs, and I think she is extremely deserving for the Academic Advisor of the Year Award due to her diligence in reaching out to students and connecting with them despite the mostly virtual format.

Shams Al Jassar

Coming into college, I was clueless on how things worked and how to access resources. Ms. Rahman has been more than helpful. Not only has she helped me to get my classes situated, she has provided me with endless amounts of opportunities in the honors college and she has made sure things are going well with me. Last semester I had to drop out of my classes for very personal reasons and she made sure to continuously check up on me and she has been more than helpful in my transition back into school this semester. Considering how many students she has to interact with, it is really nice to have someone who cares and can connect with me on a personal level to help lead me to success.

Raven Griffin

Topics

Academic Advising

Honors College

Advisor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering wins academic advising award

Anonymous — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 16:12:31 +0000

Advisor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering wins academic advising award Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 01/11/2021 - 11:12

One of the rewards of being an academic advisor is helping students through difficult times and then watching them flourish afterward, says Smriti Kansal Patwardhan, an academic advisor and coordinator for the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE).

For instance, when an international student came to talk to Patwardhan a few years ago, she was homesick, hadn’t connected with anyone, and felt all alone, says Patwardhan, MS Electrical Engineering ’04. “Engineering is hard enough, and she was trying to manage all these emotions on top of her studies.”

She found the young woman a study group and a student organization with members from her home country. “I helped her adjust through that first year, and she blossomed and graduated with honors.”

Patwardhan is known among Mason Engineering students and faculty for her willingness to go the extra mile in all aspects of her job, and for those efforts, she was awarded the 2020 Jade Barricelli Spirit of Academic Advising Excellence Award, a peer-nominated academic advising award.

In 2016, she was named the V. Ann Lewis Academic Advisor of the Year, an award given to an advisor nominated by students.

Patwardhan didn’t plan on becoming an advisor. In fact, she didn’t have an advisor when she was an undergraduate earning a bachelor of engineering in electronics in India.

After graduation, she worked as an engineer in India then came to Mason to earn her master’s degree. She started to pursue a PhD while working as a research faculty member, but after her first child was born in 2006, she decided to take a break from work.

Then in 2012, the ECE department asked her to come back as an advisor. “It was all a new experience for me. I had no clue of what to do and what not to do,” she says.

She got input and guidance from faculty and peers and quickly excelled in her new role.

Now she conducts the orientations of all the new ECE students, hosts prospective student visits for the department, and advises several groups including Honors College students, those in special international programs, and anyone who can’t find a faculty advisor.

She works closely with the department’s faculty who are advising other ECE students. “All 600 undergraduate students can come to me whenever they want.”

In addition, Patwardhan reviews course evaluations, works on the department’s undergraduate curriculum committee, helps with class scheduling, and coordinates the publication of the department’s newsletter.

Her technical knowledge often comes in handy. “My engineering background helps. I tell students, ‘I am an engineer. Don’t take these courses together, because I know this will make it too hard for you to be successful.’ And they listen to me.

“When people bring in transfer credits, I know what makes sense to count and what doesn’t make sense.”

The hardest part of her job is not being able to help everyone and making tough decisions. There are so many challenges our students go through––health problems, financial problems, family problems. I want to do everything I possibly can to make school easier for my students.”

Monson Hayes, chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, says, “She is a remarkable advisor who is committed to being the most effective advisor that she can be. Her approach to advising is one of compassion and understanding, and she is keenly aware of the struggles and difficulties a student may face, both academically and personally. She is a great listener. She is never judgmental, and she is an extremely effective communicator.”

ECE Associate Chair Pelin Kurtay, agrees, “Smriti is an indispensable asset to our faculty advisors and plays a tremendous role in the success of our students. Her knowledge about policies and university resources, coupled with her background in engineering, means she can quickly provide students with access to the support they need, bring a swift resolution to their issues, and provide a personalized plan that best meets their individual needs.”

Patwardhan is passionate about her job. “I love it,” she says. “I am an engineer helping future engineers.”

Topics

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Academic Advising

Volgenau School of Engineering

Faculty and Staff News

Malerie Gamblin is Mason’s 2020 Academic Advisor of the Year

Mariam Aburdeineh — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 04:07:04 +0000

Malerie Gamblin is Mason’s 2020 Academic Advisor of the Year Mariam Aburdeineh Tue, 04/07/2020 - 00:07

Topics

Academic Advising

Costello College of Business

Undergraduate Education

Campus News

Brian Gillette Named 2012 Academic Advisor of the Year

admin_alpha — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:07:00 +0000

Brian Gillette Named 2012 Academic Advisor of the Year admin_alpha Thu, 04/19/2012 - 15:07

By Erin Cushing

Brian Gillette, student academic affairs coordinator for the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS), has been chosen as Mason’s 2012 Advisor of the Year.

“I am proud and honored to have been chosen,” Gillette says. “I love advising because I get to know the students, and our students are smart, creative, kind and interesting.

“There are so many people who help me do my work, and they don’t always get the credit they deserve,” he continues. “Many times I get the credit for the work they do. Since receiving this award, I’ve thought even more about Mason advisors who don’t always get the credit they deserve.”

Topics

Academic Advising