Sunday, October 27, 2013

A521.1.4.RB_DiazBrian


As an academic advisor working for Embry Riddle there is one common theme that I feel represents our organization and that theme is the success of our students.  I take pride in the role I play in my student’s experience with ERAU.  I considered all of the elements that contribute to the success of our students and how those elements directly impact the university. 

At Embry Riddle our mission is to “teach the science, practice and business of aviation and aerospace, preparing students for productive careers and leadership roles in service around the world.”  Retrieved from http://www.erau.edu/about/mission.html In doing so we must measure our success.  Embry Riddle is a leading college in aviation and aerospace but it is also important to remember that the college is a business as well.  And with any business its success is measured in revenue. 

I think my job first and foremost is to provide exceptional customer service.  It is important for me to listen to the needs of my students and help them make sound decisions regarding their education.  I am only as successful as my students.  If a student has an issue or concern it is my responsibility to assist students to arrive at a resolution.  In order to ensure that the university is successful I am responsible with communicating to my personal student population (a little over 400 at the moment) and encouraging them to remain enrolled in course work with as little interruption all the way through to graduation.

Student enrollments is the biggest measure of success in my department.  If we do not meet the goals we are challenged with the repercussions can be felt throughout the university.  It is kind of like a ripple effect throughout.  Our leadership team uses quantitative data from previous terms/academic years to predict what our expectations for future enrollments should be.  Now these numbers can be affected in many ways.  For instance the recent government shut down adversely affected our student population as a majority of our students are also military personnel.  For instance the goal for my team is to have 1800 enrollments for this current October term.  If we do not meet or exceed (and we pride ourselves with always exceeding our expectations) our goals the university can be impacted in numerous ways.  Less students enrolled means less money for the university.  Less money for the university means the university may not able to add additional jobs.  It can also affect our instructors.  If we do not have as many students enrolled as we predict then we do not need extra course sections which in turn means less instructors.  If we do not have the required student enrollments it can also decrease the likelihood of annual raises being awarded.  The university may cut back on spending for equipment needed to properly train our students.  These are just a few examples of how failing to reach our enrollment goals can affect the university and cause a ripple effect that can resonate throughout the school. 


Having the opportunity to take this course is going to make an impact on the way in which I can effectively communicate with my students.  Ultimately it is my responsibility to represent the culture and values that Embry Riddle stands for.  My students look to me for guidance and assistance.  On the WorldWide website http://worldwide.erau.edu/about-worldwide/worldwide-welcome/index.html  Chancellor Watret notes the following strengths that articulate who we are and what we stand for.
  • Our commitment to student success.
  • Our commitment to academic quality.

  • Our commitment to innovation.
  • Our commitment to student service.

It is with great pride that I strive to provide my students with the most exceptional educational experience while they attend Embry Riddle.  I am one piece of this puzzle but I feel that I am an important piece.  If it were not for these students I would not have a job.  If it were not for these students a lot of people would be without jobs.  I try to keep this in mind.  It is all about the students.  Without them there would be no need for us.



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