Campus life is significantly different now than it was before COVID-19. Scott Childs and Lisa Giguere, two academic advisors in WSB, shared how they’ve adjusted to the modified working conditions while still making sure they are available to you.

 

Scott Childs:

I have eight people living in my home (including me).  We have three children in school and one in preschool.  All four children are needing computers at many different times.  It took some time to adjust to what each child needed. As a parent, this took a lot of attention, and my wife has been amazing!  We have worked together to find space and opportunity for me to communicate with my co-workers and students.  I haven’t felt like I couldn’t be available for students, and I’ve been able to communicate with everyone in a timely fashion. UVU was amazing by providing me with a laptop in a timely fashion.  As advisors, we have the tools and the skills to meet the student’s needs.  Communication is key, and we are here to help.

 

 

Lisa Giguere:

The last couple of weeks have been crazy for all of us. With so much uncertainty, and everyone making big changes, it has been a lot to deal with. I have two boys—five and eleven—who both had to adjust to homeschool, which really means us parents overseeing all their regular school-work and getting 20 emails per day from their teachers explaining what they need to be doing. This has also resulted in my husband not getting a cortisone shot and having to deal with chronic pain for an extra three weeks while the doctors try to figure out if it is best to see patients or keep them away from potential infection.

And then there is work. First, we were being required to come into the office, then only some of us coming in, and then without any warning, no one can come in. It has been difficult to transition from having everything you need to advise students at your fingertips, to not having anything and working from an itty-bitty laptop. From meeting and interacting with students in-person to learning to do appointments online with software we’ve never used—but we are pivoting because that is what life is about, and our top priority is serving our students. Whenever I am not answering emails or doing phone/online appointments, I am going through my list of students to let them know when they can register for fall. I am giving overrides, so less students get registration errors when it is their turn to register.

This morning I was pretty frustrated and emotionally broke down. I let myself cry for a few minutes, and then I jumped back into work and online appointments. It was great to interact remotely with my students. You bring me joy in this difficult time and remind me how lucky I am to have a job where I get to help students every day. I promise you we are here for you, and we know how you feel. Together, we can get through this!

 

 

With all of the rapid changes that have occurred due to COVID-19, your Academic Advisors want you to know that they are still available to you and ready to help. If you are confused by any changes, or if you have any questions, please schedule an appointment. Advising is available by appointment Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.