Each July, our rising juniors are reassigned to an advisor in the school or college where there major is housed. I created this PowerPoint and sent it to the students in my caseload who would be moving onto their new advisor. I wanted to share some "parting words of wisdom," to not only remind them of the reassignment, but to also introduce/remind them of resources that can assist them in completing their undergraduate experience in a meaningful way that will lead to long-term success. The use of humor and my authentic voice are important components when creating communications for my students.

1. It’s so hard to say goodbye, from FSYA…
Rising juniors (third year students who have at least 55 earned hours), in
the next few days you will be officially reassigned to the School or
College that houses your major. Your new advisor will be listed in your
student center in LOCUS where you currently find my name
But because it is in my
nature, here is some parting
advice ….
One sad advisor 

2. Get to know your new advisor!
Just as, I, your advisor in FSYA, served to assist you with your transition
from high school to college, your new School/College advisor will assist
your transition toward graduation. Make an appointment with him/her
either later this summer, or early in the fall to have a general meeting.
During this meeting you can introduce yourself and go over your plans
together.

3. Start working with your faculty advisor(s) regularly
If you have not met your faculty advisor yet, plan on doing it early in the fall.
If you don‟t know who your faculty advisor is (and one is not listed on your
student center in LOCUS) call the dept of your major and ask to be assigned
an advisor. If there is a professor that you already know and have worked
with, you can ask him/her to serve in this position. If s/he is unable to, that
does not mean s/he cannot be a great mentor!

4. Why you want to work with faculty:
LUC has outstanding faculty! They are experts in their areas and can
provide you incredible insights about your major and your plans for after
graduation; and they can connect you to amazing opportunities of research
or work that allows you to put what you‟ve learned in the classroom into a
“real-world setting.”
Also, at some point you will need a letter of recommendation or
reference, and if a faculty member does not really know you, you should
not ask him/her for one.

5. Visit the Career Development Center
http://www.luc.edu/career/
Is your résumé ready to be reviewed by grad schools, internship sites and
employers?
Have your post undergrad goals changed?
What exactly do you need to be thinking about and what actions should
you be taking so that you can meet your goals?
These questions, plus more, can be answered by a Career Counselor. Call
773-508-7716 to get their fall walk-in hours. Or, enroll in the CPSY 224
course for more in depth preparation (See LOCUS for class details)

6. Create an E-Portfolio
Why not put your best work in one place so that you can easily promote
your talents and share the hard work you put into your time at Loyola? I
cannot think of one reason!
E-Portfolios allow you to demonstrate your skills and reflect on your
growth. Employers and graduate schools will love to see tangible examples
of how you will benefit their company, program or institution.
The Center for Experiential Learning can help you get started if you need
it: http://www.luc.edu/experiential/eportfolio/about/

7. Google Yourself (use social media responsibly):
Have you entered your name into search engines online? Have you typed
your name using quotes, i.e. “Lu Wolf”? If not, or not lately, you should do
it now! Be aware of your online presence and be smart when posting
ANYTHING online! Check privacy settings, but if you would not want the
hiring manager of your dream job to see it, maybe you should not post it -
at all!
That being said, social media can be a powerful networking tool! Create a
LinkedIn account and Twitter account that has the purpose of being public
and helping you network with current professionals in fields you might
want to enter one day. You can be yourself, but just polite and appropriate.
Feel free to follow me @katrinaweizer 

8. Remember: It is never too late!!
You still have time too….
Get Involved. Go on a retreat, join a student org, audition for a play, join the
Phoenix, rush a sorority or fraternity, get an on-campus job, become an
RA, run for student govt., volunteer: Anything you have been putting off
for „later,‟ commit to do it in the fall! Don‟t have any regrets when you walk
across the stage.
Change Paths. While you may not have time to change majors, your major
does not necessarily determine or limit the path you will “have” to
take, anyway. Talking to your advisor, faculty advisors, a career
counselor, and mentors can help you navigate your journey.

9. Keep in Touch!
I love to hear what my former students are up to, so keep me posted! I know you are
all capable of great success and I would love to celebrate all the great milestones you
reach.
If you need anything, don‟t hesitate to ask me. While I will not be your advisor
anymore, I am a resource on campus that you can utilize. This does not mean that I
am the appropriate person to contact with advising questions, but if other situations
should arise where you feel like I can be of help, please let me know. I am always
happy to help you in any way I can.

10. Be good/Be yourself
Make smart choices (need I say more?)!
Don‟t compromise who you are! If you feel like you have to conform to
somebody else‟s standards, or cannot be yourself, then you are in the wrong
place (physically, emotionally or spiritually).
Work hard and from a place of purpose. Nothing comes easy. NOTHING! If
you are passionate about what you do though, it won‟t seem like work.

11. Thank you!
Thank you for trusting me with your transition to Loyola! Thank you for
sharing your highs and lows, for making me laugh, and for challenging me
to always try and do my best. Because of you, I know these words are true:
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have
to work a day in your life.” ― Confucius
An advisor who is excited for the second-half of your journey