


The Advisor
Monthly News for MSU Academic Advisors & Support Staff
Let's welcome all new beginnings and the Spring 2024 Semester!
Student Success
Racer One Stop Returns
Racer One Stop is a service center that provides three convenient options for students to receive information about student accounts, financial aid, scholarships, tuition, bill payments, registration and student records. It's a great opportunity for students to resolve many issues with knowledgeable staff all in "One Stop!" See all the details at murraystate.edu/onestop.
Encourage Students to Advance Towards Their Degree | Placement Tests for Free!
KYOTE testing gives students the opportunity to assess their basic skill proficiency in English composition, reading and math. KYOTE testing (combined with high school GPA, advising sessions and standardized test scores) can help determine the best way the university can support a student’s path to success.
Benefits for Students:
- Place out of co-requisite courses (ENG 111 and/or MAT 110) and enroll in a course that directly counts toward their degree
- Take one to two tests during the session
- Tests are free
Details:
- Placement tests in English, reading and/or mathematics
- Untimed exams take approximately 40-50 minutes to complete
- Calculators, scrap paper and pencils provided
Spring 2024 KYOTE Testing Dates:
- Visit the KYOTE Placement Testing website for the full list of Spring 2024 testing dates.
Contact Sarah Williams (swilliams85@murraystate.edu) with questions or visit the KYOTE Placement Testing website for more information.
On-Call Counseling at University Counseling Services
An on-call counselor is available 9 am - 3 pm Monday through Friday to meet with walk-in clients through University Counseling Services in C104 Oakley Applied Science. Students do not need to be in crisis to access these services. If a student is in distress and feels that they really need to speak with a counselor that day, rather than waiting for a scheduled appointment, they are welcome to come in and ask to speak with the on-call counselor. However, there is only one on-call counselor scheduled, so there may be a short wait, or visits may need to be shortened to ensure that every student can be seen. After speaking with the on-call counselor, if further services are needed, students will be encouraged to sign up for ongoing treatment and will be assigned to a counselor. Learn More!
Advisor Aha
Aha: a moment of sudden realization, inspiration, insight, recognition, or comprehension.
- In your office, sit in the seat your student sits in. Does it feel comfortable? How are the surroundings? Remember, just because you think your office is inviting, doesn't mean it really is.
- Ask about aspects related to the university that are not academics. See if they are involved in any student orgs or even community organizations and if you already know then follow up about them. Those organizations are just as impactful to them as their education and help you help them make decisions about academic or career goals.
Students Succeed When....
... they are engaged with an informed, connected and caring campus community. Starfish connects each campus to its students, providing intentional, just-in-time intervention and cohort management throughout their journey.
The staff in the Center for Student Engagement and Success (CSES) encourage you to access Starfish and review the information and tools available to you. It's one tool that you have access to that allows student support staff to outreach on a myriad of issues. As with any tool, it's not the "be all, end all" to helping students overcome their challenges but it can be part of the solution. CSES staff invites you to Learn More and consider hosting a training for yourself or your team.
Professional Development
NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising
NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising is the premier Association for student success through academic advising in higher education. Formally chartered on May 2, 1979, NACADA serves its members through a variety of professional development and networking opportunities. In addition, the Association supports student success at the institution level through its comprehensive consulting services, Outcomes of Advising Surveys, and NACADA Excellence in Academic Advising program. NACADA’s elected and appointed leadership works in cooperation with the NACADA Executive Office to lead the 15,000-member not-for-profit Association. Learn More!
Kentucky Advising Academy
The Kentucky Advising Academy (KAA) provides a free comprehensive series of professional learning and resources for school counselors, Family Resource/Youth Service Center (FRYSC) coordinators, and all professional educators as well as flexible opportunities to connect with higher education and postsecondary advising leaders. The goal of the Kentucky Advising Academy (KAA) is to support Kentucky educators in providing students equitable access to postsecondary advising for a successful transition from their secondary education to their desired career. The KAA supports educators serving in advising roles by providing comprehensive professional learning sessions, online resources and networking opportunities centered around postsecondary advising.
Resource Roundup
Below are a important resources to view now and reference throughout the semester.
- Academic Advising Website for YOU and Students
- Academic Deadlines and Important Dates
- Mental Health Resources (Includes on and off campus resources)
- Not Sure Where to Start? Start with us! Center for Student Engagement and Success
- Registration Resources (Includes myRegistration resources)
- Student Financial Services:
- University Catalog
Thanks for reading!
If you have article or resource suggestions or questions, please email Peggy Whaley, Director of Student Engagement and Success, at pwhaley@murraystate.edu.
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The Advisor | January 2024