CLUB ADVISING
Perhaps the most valuable relationship that students will have during their years at UVM are those with their professors. In fact, connections with faculty and staff are a direct influence on retention.
Direct Influences on Retention
- Attending Student Orientation
- Living on Campus
- Connected socially and academically by week 6
- Established relationship with faculty and staff
- Made friends with students who have different interests
- First Year Seminar
- Supportive family
But it can be difficult for students to interact with their teachers. The size of the large lecture course, formality of office hours, and bashfulness can be contributing factors. From the faculty's perspective, constraints on our time and resources, as well as the sheer size of many of our lecture courses, make it difficult to get to know students personally.
If you share an interest-academic, recreational, spiritual, political-then the interaction is easier and more relaxed. If you enjoyed participating in residential communities, sports, or other clubs as an undergraduate, then re-live some memories and join a new community. Our emeriti will tell you that these will be among the most valuable relationships that you will have, too!
text from: Connecting to Students