Hello Math Majors,
I hope that your semester is going well and that you have been able to stay at least somewhat warm over much of the last week. This is the coldest it has been in Lincoln in last 31 years, and it may have been the coldest for the longest in more than 37 years. I am sure that we both are looking forward to warmer and sunnier weather very soon.
I want to briefly discuss emails versus drop-in meetings versus appointments. Since we switched to virtual advising back in March 2020, the number of emails is up and meetings are down slightly. In many cases, a meeting is going to be a far more productive use of our time than an email, so personally, I prefer meetings over emails. Thus, I want to share my thoughts about when we should meet to discuss something versus sending an email.
Emails
Emails should be reserved for brief questions that you are seeking a small clarification about something or just want to confirm something with me. Most emails should be limited to one or two questions. An email is also useful if you want your degree plan changed (i.e., changing majors or minors) or if you believe you need a substitution or waiver completed. If it takes you 15 minutes or more to construct the email, then we should likely be meeting for an appointment or at least a drop-in. Additionally, if your email asks what a good schedule for an upcoming semester might be or what you have left to complete your degree, 99% of the time we need to have at least a drop-in meeting.
Drop-In Meetings
So far, my drop-in meetings times have been useful very sparingly if I get any students at all during the two hour time block. Drop-in meetings are also for quick questions, but these questions are about explaining a policy or an option that you have where a back and forth discussion would be helpful. It is much easier for me to explain the Pass/No Pass grading basis during a meeting than via an email. We can also discuss whether taking advantage of a particular policy is a good option. A drop-in meeting is also enough time to confirm that you have setup a good schedule for an upcoming semester or session and clear up any concerns about that schedule. Drop-in meetings are supposed to be shorter, so it would not be possible to discuss a degree course plan or things like academic probation during a drop-in meeting.
Appointments
When in doubt, always go with the option to schedule an appointment. Outside of the Priority Registration time period, I have both 30 minute and 60 minute meetings available, so these scheduled appointments can be used to discuss multiple questions and to cover complex issues such as academic probation or graduation course plans. Appointments are also very good for discussing how majors, minors, or courses fit into a long-term degree or after graduation plan. It would also allow us to explore areas that might come up based on an unexpected answer to a question. Again, I much prefer appointments over emails, so please use my appointment availability if possible.
Since March 2020, I also found that email meetings are the least successful option for a scheduled appointment. However, I am happy to connect with you in any format that works best for you.
Thanks, Doug
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Spring 2021 Math Advising
All academic advising for the Spring 2021 season will be completed virtually for now. This means that all advising meetings and interactions will be conducted on Zoom, over the phone, or via email. Doug and Professor Radu are available to meet your academic advising needs, and we look forward to meeting with you and working with you throughout the fall semester. Even though advising will continue to be virtual, we will do everything we can to support you for the winter season.
Due to social distancing even if Doug and Professor Radu are in their offices, you will need schedule an advising appointment that will be conducted via Zoom, phone, or email or join drop-in advising on Zoom. If an in-person meeting is absolutely required, arrangements will need to be made well in advance so we can accommodate social distancing in the meeting.
Doug’s advising hours will be:
Appointments – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
Appointments – 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm every Wednesday and Friday
Drop-In Advising - 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm every Wednesday and Friday
You can schedule an appointment with Doug by using the MyPlan system via this link, by calling the College of Arts and Sciences Academic and Career Advising Center at 402-472-4190, or by emailing him at dpellatz@unl.edu. Doug is also taking drop-in meetings from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays at https://unl.zoom.us/my/casadvising.
Professor Radu’s advising hours will be by appointment only. To schedule a meeting with Professor Radu, please email her at pradu@unl.edu.