Tuesday, Apr 21, 2020
Incoming freshmen will be assigned a navigation coach in addition to faculty adviser
by Rachel Stengel '14
This July, Rider will launch the new Student Navigation Office. The office will introduce a holistic approach to supporting students' success by acting as a one-stop shop for linking them to essential on- and off-campus resources.
"The office helps students connect with other needs whether they are academic, social, career-oriented or anything else," says Amy Bennis-Kimball, director of the Student Navigation Office. "The office is a support system for students that will help them access the resources they need to succeed."
The Class of 2024 will be the first to experience the new model. The goal of the Student Navigation Office is to help students with their first-year experience by connecting them to the appropriate resources for academic, social and professional development as well as introduce them to Rider's Engaged Learning Program. The program requires students to complete at least two high-impact engaged learning experiences, such as study abroad or guided research, to satisfy their graduation requirements.
The Student Navigation Office was developed by a faculty and staff task force. Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs Kendall Friedman, a member of the task force, says the model will complement the current academic advising system.
"We're very excited about the Student Navigation Office because it is an intentional and proactive approach to success coaching at Rider," says Friedman. "Rider is the kind of place where students thrive because they're able to take advantage of all the many resources available. The office will be partnering with faculty and other members of the campus community to ensure students are receiving all the support they'll need. It's not a one-size-fits-all model."
Students will be assigned a navigation coach and a faculty adviser. The pair will work together to track students' academic progress and assist them with course selection. Navigators will also ensure students know how to access critical campus services such as Financial Aid, the Academic Success Center, the Registrar, Residence Life, the Career Development & Success Center and Counseling Services.
Students will connect with their navigation coach prior to their first semester and have the ability to download an app where they can message their coach throughout the school year. The Student Navigation Office will be located in the Bart Luedeke Center and will be available for all students, not just freshmen.
Dr. Kelly Bidle, the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and co-chair for the task force, believes the Student Navigation Office will streamline the process for students who have questions about any facet of their academic or social experience at Rider.
"It's a much-need resource for students," she says. "Faculty already do a great job of advising students and the Student Navigation Office will partner with them to ensure students are supported from all angles. Students are going to have a place they can contact at any time with any question and receive the correct information to assist them."
Under Bennis-Kimball's direction, the office will have two full-time navigation coaches. Bennis-Kimball brings 17 years of experience in advising, previously working for the University of the Sciences, Rutgers University, Temple University and the University of Florida. Though she has only been a Bronc for a short period of time, she says she already feels the warmth of the Rider community.
"I love Rider already," she says. "The students are interesting and engaged. You want to root for them because they have such full plates balancing schoolwork, internships and activities. I want the students to know that we're here for them. We will help them and support them in any way we can."