![\"Melanie](\"\/images\/proprietary\/staff-faculty\/melanie-jones.jpg\" "\\"Melanie")
<\/p>\nMelanie Jones began advising Oregon State students in 2004, and she has earned a reputation as one of the university’s many outstanding academic advisors.<\/p>\n
The proof is in the words of her students. A small sampling:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
“Melanie is outstanding. She’s always there to pass on advice and provide little bits of motivation for me to press through.” \u2013 Michael Davis (Ramsey, Indiana)<\/em><\/p>\n “I feel that she truly cares about my education. She knows me, she understands the struggles I have faced, and she has been the rock at OSU to help me when the going gets tough.” \u2013 Regina Lopez (Morgan Hill, California)<\/em><\/p>\n “She has been both cheerleader and wise mentor, and I appreciate all her efforts more than I can say.” \u2013 Elizabeth Lockwood (Caldwell, Idaho)<\/em><\/p>\n So it came as no surprise earlier this spring when Melanie received the Ecampus Advisors Award in a contest based on submissions from OSU’s distance students. An advisor in the College of Agricultural Sciences, Melanie was selected in a drawing with other nominated advisors and received a $50 Visa gift card.<\/p>\n The nomination and prize are the latest evidence that students appreciate the guidance and support she provides. She works with both Ecampus and on-campus students, which has augmented her ability to respond to the unique needs of each learner.<\/p>\n We caught up with Melanie recently to learn more about her experience advising distance students.<\/p>\n MJ: Having students take the time out of their busy lives and schedules to highlight specifics on how I’ve helped them makes me feel tremendously grateful. I am thankful that I have a job that I love, and that I can make a difference in others’ lives, especially related to celebrating growth and success. It’s very rewarding.<\/p>\n MJ: Connecting, helping and learning from students are the best parts, hands down! (Editor’s note: That’s 12 words, but we’ll let it slide.)<\/em><\/p>\n MJ: I view this as the most important part of my job. I know how important that very first contact is. A student has decided to attend OSU, declared the major I advise in, and is ready to dedicate their lives to the process of obtaining their degree. That is HUGE!<\/p>\n I try to create a comfortable tone when working with students (whether in person or by phone). I ask a lot of questions and get to know them along with their goals in coming into our program. I try to prioritize what I share, yet maintain keen awareness of what may be on a student’s mind or radar.<\/p>\n MJ: The challenge is just that, the distance. It is hard for someone who is not walking on our campus to absorb the university. As an advisor, I feel I am often the voice and “feel” behind the campus. Keeping communication frequent and meaningful is most important to me.<\/p>\n I often share little stories and pictures about our campus when I email distance students. I’ve mailed OSU car stickers to a student who I felt really needed to remember that they were\/are connected to us. I feel if students understand how we operate, it can take a large barrier down immediately.<\/p>\n MJ: Just one? That’s hard! Be realistic about how many classes\/credits you can take with other life demands. Be open to sharing interests, questions, concerns and successes to any and all along the way (advisors, faculty etc.). I have seen some amazing connections and problems averted by networking and open communication.<\/p>\n Lastly \u2013 enjoy this process. Take some fun classes that interest you, and register on time!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\nStudents often say thanks and offer their praise, but winning this award is recognition on a wider scale. How meaningful is that?<\/h3>\n
In 10 words or less, describe the best part of your job.<\/h3>\n
How do you build a genuine connection with students who, in many cases, you’ll never meet in person?<\/h3>\n
What is the biggest challenge you face in advising distance students?<\/h3>\n
What’s the one pearl of advising wisdom you’d like to share with all students?<\/h3>\n