Academic Adviser Cover Letter

Office of Academic Services Bentley University 175 Forest Street Waltham, Massachusetts 02452

June 5th, 2009

Dear Search Committee, It is with great enthusiasm I submit my application to be an Academic Adviser at Bentley University. I am excited to continue putting my education and experience to practice, and look forward to doing so in a diverse, supportive, collaborative, and success-orientated environment. As I reflect on my roles working with students, I have come to see them as stops along their journey through college. I have welcomed new and transfer students in the summer at new student orientation, getting them excited and prepared to begin in the fall. I have taught an introductory course for students in their first semester to aide in a successful transition, planting the seeds for success in and outside of the classroom. Throughout the year I have seen students on an individual and group-advising basis, covering topics such as schedule adjustment, future plans, and personal matters. I have created and planned programs with faculty and staff in academic buildings and residence halls to explore major options, get better acquainted with support services, and provide additional assistance “after hours”. In the spring I continue to work with all students, focused on those who had academic and other difficulties their first semester, providing additional support to get back on track. Advising students of all majors I know the importance of helping them explore interests, utilize resources, and assess skills to discover their passions and determine a successful path. I enjoy helping students sort through opportunities and challenges along the way to determine what works best for them. I see the roles I have taken as opportunities to work with the full breadth of the student population. I see how each part of a student’s day intersects, and how significant coordinating messages and goals with faculty and staff across campus can be for student success and retention. Working in a department responsible for the academic advising of over 6,000 students, I have learned the importance of crafting policy and procedure to benefit the large group, while also putting time and effort toward assisting students on a case by case basis. In understanding my work as akin to the journey students will take, I see each of their paths as an individual plight. While any two students on the surface may have the same major and come from the same home state, each has a unique background, experience, and perspective which must be understood and valued in order to best help them achieve their goals. I feel deeply about the educational and personal benefits diversity provides, and hope to be an example for the campus community on how, when we better understand each other, we better understand ourselves and the world around us. To serve the students and community of Bentley University I will bring energy, dedication, and passion, in addition to my education and experience. I feel my background will serve me well in this important work, and know I can be a real asset to your institution. I look forward to discussing my candidacy with you further. Sincerely, Jared B. Abdirkin