By Louise Ineson
It can be difficult to find resources on campus for course advising, aid applications, and working through transfer processes. The Advantage Program, from its office in room 221 of Building 4, is one of the many resources on campus available to help all students on their educational journey.
What makes the Advantage Program different is its holistic approach to student advising. Here, “holistic” refers to how advisors consider the whole picture- financial, mental, and other personal needs alongside educational and career goals when working with students. This means the program functions as a “one-stop” information center that advises on several different areas depending on the needs of an individual.
The Advantage Program’s director, Laura Doane, emphasizes that their method of advising is ultimately aimed at helping students make informed decisions about their own futures and preparing them for success.
But for an office that does everything, what specific problems can the Advantage Program help students with? Doane clarifies the program’s goal as to “help students obtain a bachelor’s degree with reduced time and reduced debt,” which involves several kinds of academic advising.
Transfer and application processes: A difficult part of any application process can be how confusing they are to navigate. The Advantage Program offers transfer counseling for students considering their next steps after 4Cs, guiding students through their applications by helping them interpret the process and keeping them as low cost as possible.
Financial aspects and scholarships: Similarly, the Advantage Program helps students navigate financial aid eligibility and interpret processes surrounding financial aid in a comprehensive manner. Advisors at the program also connect students with scholarship opportunities, fee waivers, and the staff at the financial aid office for further help if needed.
Career, life, and educational paths: For students struggling with long-term plans in their education or career prospects, the Advantage Program can work with students to identify transfer, coursework, and career opportunities based on their circumstances. They offer school supplies and a quiet place for students to work in their office and can connect students to on-campus resources by personally introducing students to staff in the O’Neill Center, Career Services, and tutoring centers.
Personal obstacles to higher education: Every student has a personal life, and with it personal obstacles that can interfere with academic goals. The Advantage Program helps students who are juggling personal obstacles continue to pursue their education by working through available options. This often includes connecting students to contacts in the Wellness Center or other community resources outside of campus.
The Advantage Program is a resource on campus dedicated to helping students succeed in higher education. It is available to all and can be a one-stop center for many different areas of academic need. For more information on joining the Advantage Program, any student can drop by their office in room 221 in Maureen M. Wilkens Hall and talk to an advisor, or visit https://www.capecod.edu/advantage/.
For information on joining the Advantage Program, any student can drop by its office in Room 221 of Building 4 and talk to an adviser, or visit https://www.capecod.edu/advantage/.
