A Closer Look at Student Advising within the College of Business and Economics

student advising team

Photo L-R: (Top) Javier Peña (Graduate Programs Academic Advisor), Ali Karayel (Pioneer Success Coach), Rebecca Sierra (Senior Academic Advisor - Peer Advisor Program Specialist), Shabana Ali (Student Success & Support Coordinator), Erin Robertson (Associate Academic Advisor)

(Middle) Justin Donato (Assistant Academic Advisor), Lucy Castillo (Senior Academic Advisor - Student Engagement Specialist), Fatima Mohammadi (Assistant Academic Advisor)

(Bottom) Jennifer Aure (Interim Director of Academic Advising for Cal State East Bay.)

Before we dive into the details of the restructure of Student Advising at CBE, here are some fun facts about Jennifer Aure:

  1. First job on your resume: Claims Specialist
  2. Guilty pleasure: Plant and sneaker collector
  3. One word a coworker will describe you: Dedicated
  4. One song you can’t get out of your mind: Touristy Places by Paul Russell
  5. Secret hobby or skill: Love anything crafty, recently purchased a Cricut
  6. Inbox 0 or Inbox 1000: Goal is always Inbox 0, but reality is Inbox 100
  7. Last show you watched: Ted Lasso
  8. Who would play you in a movie: Zoe Saldana

Student Advising at CBE now oversees both undergraduate and graduate students and career readiness. What are the OKRs for these interrelated units?

Objective #1: To improve the quality and accessibility of student support services within CBE to assure persistence and completion.

Key Results:

  1. Increase student satisfaction with academic advising services by directly engaging students in their degree planning
  2. Improve on-time graduation and retention rates in the College of Business and Economics
  3. Use student plans to optimize course offerings that ensure student satisfaction
  4. Increase transparency and accessibility of information related to student support services, so that students are better informed and empowered to make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures.

Objective #2: Invest in staff excellence and professional development to ensure quality academic support services.

Key Results:

  1. Develop and implement a comprehensive professional development program for staff focused on enhancing their skills and knowledge in student support services, including training on technology and software platforms (Stellic, Quinncia, Salesforce, Bay Advisor)
  2. Increase staff retention rates by providing opportunities for career advancement and growth within the college.
  3. Implement a mentorship program to help new staff members acclimate to the work environment, build relationships with colleagues, and receive guidance and support from experienced staff members.
  4. Develop regular communication cadence to inform changes and improvements to the work environment, staff development programs, and overall support for staff members.


How do you use your position to build equitable and collaborative teams?

Building an equitable and collaborative team requires intentional effort and leadership: I try to provide an environment where they can grow and develop in their roles. I provide ongoing feedback and support, and am willing to have difficult conversations when necessary. It is important for them to be able to set their own goals and I work with them to identify steps they can take to achieve those goals.

Prioritize work-life integration: I recognize that our work and personal lives are intertwined, and I try to find ways to balance the two in a way that promotes overall well-being and productivity. I focus on setting boundaries, being flexible, prioritizing self-care, and keeping open communication with my team.
Care deeply about staff: As a leader, I care deeply about my staff. I make it a priority to show my team that I value their contributions and am committed to their well-being. I take the time to actively listen to their concerns and ideas, and I make sure to be responsive to their needs.

Care deeply about staff: As a leader, I care deeply about my staff. I make it a priority to show my team that I value their contributions and am committed to their well-being. I take the time to actively listen to their concerns and ideas, and I make sure to be responsive to their needs.

Foster an inclusive environment: I believe it's important to foster an inclusive environment where all team members feel valued and respected. I am intentional about creating a workplace culture where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and feedback. I encourage open communication and listen to diverse perspectives. I strive to create a workplace where every team member feels like they belong and can contribute to their full potential.

How do you manage work-life balance and keep everyone happy and productive?

  • I know that life is unpredictable, and unexpected events or responsibilities can arise at any moment. To manage these situations effectively, I know that being flexible and adaptable is key. I believe in open communication with my team to manage expectations and ensure that we are all on the same page. It is important to me to be transparent about my availability and workload, and to communicate any personal or professional challenges that I may be facing.
  • Through effective communication with my team, I strive to avoid misunderstandings or miscommunications that can lead to stress or conflict. I believe that by prioritizing work-life integration, we can achieve a better balance between our work and personal responsibilities. This, in turn, can help to reduce stress and improve our overall well-being.

Contact Us:

Student Advising at CBE
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 am - 5 pm
Location: VBT 129
Phone: (510) 885-3323, M-Th 9 am - 3 pm
Email: cbeadvising@csueastbay.edu