As you plan your spring and summer schedules, keep in mind that each of our advisors are experienced professionals. They are a wonderful resource for academic guidance. When we added the Department of Communication Studies to our College in January, I already knew a little about Judy Poffenbarger – or “JPoff” for those that know her! She has such a wonderful story and I asked her a few questions about her job as Undergraduate Academic Advisor.

What do you like most about your job?
…being able to make a difference in the lives of individual students, particularly those for whom navigating the college landscape has been a challenge; I know that every graduation there are students crossing that stage who would most likely not be there if I were not here doing what I do…..being a source of information and perspective for my department chairperson and my faculty

What do the best students do to prepare for an advising appointment?
They review their advisor-prepared Degree Audit from their previous advising appointment and check their DegreeWorks to have a clear picture of all the courses they have already completed and of the credits they still need; it can be a good source for questions they need to ask their advisor.

When should CoMC majors start thinking about 'next' semester?
As soon as the current one has begun; actually, the best approach is to have a multi-semester plan that has room for changes (what I call the “sticky-note map”)

If you had the opportunity to share one "secret to success" for an undergraduate student, what would it be?  Attend class regularly (both physically and mentally—be really engaged).

I have really enjoyed getting to know JPoff. She is a native of Lubbock, Texas and graduated from Lubbock High School. She earned a B.A. degree in English from Texas Tech University and a M.A. degree in English from the University of Texas. She taught English in high school for almost 20 years, has served as Information Coordinator for the Capital Area Planning Council in Austin, been the Supervisor of Student Teachers in the Texas Tech College of Education, has six years experience as a church choir director….and advised students in the Department of Communication Studies for eight years!