Southeastern Louisiana University

Freshmen Advising

College of Nursing and Health Sciences

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Cassandra Gilyard, assigned to advise students in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, came to Southeastern from Houston where she taught with the “Teach for America” Program.  Cassandra is a native New Orleanian who received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Master of Science in Sports Management, both from Louisiana State University.  As an undergraduate student, Cassandra worked as a student trainer and as a graduate intern in the Cox Communications Academic Center for student-athletes.  She also has experience working as an academic advisor for the Department of Athletics at Southern University’s Baton Rouge Campus.  Cassandra understands the demands of students who major in health-related fields, especially for student-athletes.  She volunteers in the evening Lion’s Table Program for student- athletes, helping them develop effective study and time management strategies.  Cassandra intends to continue her education, focusing on issues in higher education.

Academic Advisor: Dr. Ben Nabors   Office: Southeastern Hall, Room 103 Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 4:00 by appointment only Phone: 985/549-5662 or 985/549-3981 Email:  Ben.Nabors@selu.edu

Ben Nabors works in the Center for Student Excellence, advising students in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.  His educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education-Language Arts and a Master's Degree in English from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).  He completed his doctoral work in English at Louisiana State University (LSU), focusing on critical theory and ethical philosophy.   One of his special interests is the historical and cultural significance of the medicinal arts and medical issues, an interest on which he has published.  Ben has been teaching since 1995.  In addition to his experience teaching standard composition and literature courses to freshmen and sophomores at UAB, LSU, and River Parishes Community College, he was an instructor in the Minority Medical Education Program at UAB, which is a medical research university.  There he taught a medical-issues writing course to students who planned to enter healthcare professions.  At LSU, he taught service-learning composition courses that focused on medical ethics and health issues.

First Year Freshmen

Required Materials:   
• Folder for your Academic Advising Portfolio 

• University Catalog and your personal planner

• List of questions or concerns you may have

• List of possible classes you want to take (when meeting for course selection)

Academic Advising is your LIFE-LINE to the University as it is designed to assist you in transitioning successfully from high school to college. 

During your first two regular semesters here at Southeastern, we will work together to explore career and academic opportunities, identify and attain realistic goals, and develop decision-making skills leading to personal growth and independence.

Objectives through Academic Advising:
• Develop a relationship with your assigned Academic Advisor through face-to-face meetings

• Identify roadblocks and plan strategies to overcome them (time management, poor study skills, stress, balancing work and school…)

• Navigate the LEONET system and website successfully (registration, holds, transcripts, calendars, GPA calculator…)

• Identify and utilize campus resources (counseling, disability services, tutoring, supplemental instruction…)

• Assess confidence in major

• Select appropriate courses based on curriculum requirements

• Get connected to the University (culture, sports, organizations, KSLU Radio, study groups, peer mentoring…)

As your Academic Advisor I will:
• Listen carefully to questions and concerns

• Provide information, resources, and referrals as needed

• Maintain confidentiality

• Help you create a plan to achieve your academic and career goals

• Provide guidance through the career exploration process

• Approve course selection and remove advising holds

• Plan to meet with you during the semester as needed

As a successful College Freshman you will need to:
• CHECK WEBMAIL DAILY (Southeastern account); this is the primary means of communication on campus

• Meet with your CSE Advisor to: (1) complete an academic map, (2) complete an at-risk assessment and follow through on prescribed actions as needed, (3) explore career possibilities as appropriate, and (4) complete course selection and registration for the following semester.

• Show up for appointments on time and be prepared (bring Catalog, Advising Portfolio, Questions, List of courses…)

• Record all university transactions, academic progress, and goals; keep in Portfolio with advising forms, etc.

• Explore possible future careers and get to know your professors

Policies:
• Advising appointments MUST be scheduled for each of your 1st two regular semesters (Fall and Spring)

• Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcomed (just know you may not be seen right away)

• Cell phones need to be turned off during advising sessions