Staff Writer- Emily Heins

Have you thought about what classes you want to take next semester, what you might want to study, or what you want to do after graduation? For students, Advising Day offers an opportunity to step away from their usual class schedules and focus on these questions. On Wednesday, Nov. 11, classes will be canceled from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., giving students time to meet with academic advisers, explore their interests, and learn about campus resources.

Faculty Associate of Teaching and Learning and lead organizer of Advising Day Valerie Walker expressed excitement about the event. “I really appreciate how the school set time aside for students to explore their interests and learn more about what Gustavus has to offer,” Walker said.

The day will feature several events hosted by the Kendall Center for Engaged Learning, the Provost’s Office, the Center for Career Development, and other campus departments and programs.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., students can attend the Chapel Retreat, a place to relax between advising appointments and other activities. According to Walker, there will be a sensory space provided by the Gustavus Counseling Center and free snacks. 

The Heritage room will host a variety of events throughout the day. At 10 a.m., there will be a variety of administration offices like Career Development and Financial Aid will be there for students to ask questions to and to provide information about available resources. From 12 to 3 p.m., there will be a Study Away Orientation, hosted by the Center for International Education, for students studying abroad during the spring semester. From 5 to 7 p.m., there will be a meet-and-greet and question-and-answer session for students pursuing law school.

11:30 a.m. to p.m. in Alumni Hall, there will be a Job, Internship, and Grad Fair, where Gustavus has brought a diverse lineup of employers with multiple job openings across their organizations, and grad schools spanning a variety of programs. This event will also include Free Professional Dress Clothes and headshots, as well as snacks.

The afternoon will also feature a series of 20-minute workshops and student panels held in the St. Peter Room designed to help students explore different topics and develop useful skills. Students can find a full schedule and description of these workshops in the email sent out by Walker. 

Walker highlighted one of these panels, the Student Panel on Finding Success at Gustavus and Explore SigX Options held from 12:00 to 12:20 p.m. These activities give students opportunities to hear from their peers and learn more about different experiences and opportunities on campus. Walker explained that having students lead activities is an important goal for the program and hopes even more students will participate in the future.

According to Professor of Political Science and previous organizer of Advising Day, Katherine Knutson, Advising Day was created as part of a set of several changes to the academic program enacted in the Fall of 2023, with the first Advising Day held in the fall of 2024. 

“Gustavus faculty created Advising Day to prioritize time for academic and career advising.  Both students and faculty are really busy, and so it is helpful to deliberately set aside time in both the fall and spring semesters so that students have time to meet with their faculty advisors and to take steps that will help prepare them for future semesters at Gustavus and also their life after Gustavus,” Knutson said. 

Walker strongly encourages students to take advantage of the free day Gustavus offers and to participate in the advising events. Walker explains that Advising Day is not only a great time to meet with advisors and figure out courses, but it also gives students a chance to “explore and learn more about themselves.” Knutson also emphasized the importance of participating, saying “advising day is an opportunity to invest in yourself and your future down the road.”

Sophomore Jolie Darper loved how the college offers so many activities and opportunities on Advising Day. “Last year I went to the professional headshot event and it was awesome that they had professional attire to wear. I also went to the political science event, where there was trivia, and I really enjoyed meeting with other people. It’s cool seeing the school doing all these things for the students at Gustavus,” Draper said. 

However, Darper did describe that she didn’t know a whole lot about the event prior to the day, however she stated “I think Gustavus is doing a much better job this year advertising Advising Day as opposed to last year.” Draper specifically found the “automatic add to your calendar” option very helpful. 

Draper said she hopes first-years take advantage of the free day and explore the unique opportunities Advising Day provides.