Lauren Thomas

Experience

• 

  Radford University

  Jun 2008 - Nov 2013

  Assistant Advising Coordinator

  • Primary advisor for 150+ new freshmen in the Exercise, Sport, and Health Education and Athletic Training programs• Served as secondary advisor for 1600 students across five different majors/disciplines• Facilitated the development of program completion plans to guide the student to graduation • Assisted students with developing alternative plans if admission into major courses is not achieved• Developed training materials for intensive graduate assistant advisor training prior to each semester• Supervised four graduate assistant advisors• Assisted advising coordinator in assessment and processing of graduation applications• Represented the College at student open houses, information fairs, and orientation functions• Prepared new student orientation materials once student files have been reviewed for previous credit awarded• Advised students on appropriate interventions and resources offered to help improve academics• Advised high risk academic groups such as Students On the Road To Success and Readmitted student populations Show less

• 

  Virginia Tech

  Dec 2013 - now

  • Work closely with department contacts while serving as liaison between University Studies and different departments/majors to keep program requirements current for our department and students• Serve as an academic coach to twenty students who are on academic probation and provide academic support and appropriate referrals• Utilize Scholar to provide information to advisees concerning important deadlines and announcements• Facilitate students’ use of Pathways Planner to develop a graduation plan for their tentative major• Coordinate Peer Mentor program for the Department’s FYE course including recruitment and training• Work with students to explore their interests and motivation to choose a major• Advise students on majors which are restricted and the process for gaining admission to these majors Show less

  • Director of Academic Advising Initiatives

    Jul 2020 - now

  • Academic Advisor

    Dec 2013 - Jul 2020