CADC Academic Advising Wins Provost Award

The awards recognize the university’s over 200 advising professionals and teams whose work advances student success through innovation, collaboration, leadership and sustained commitment to excellence.

“These awards highlight the critical role advisors play in shaping the student experience and underscore the importance of a collaborative approach to supporting student success,” Provost Vini Nathan said. “This year’s recipients exemplify the highest standards of advising and leadership, grounded in excellence and guided by the Auburn Creed.”

Nominated by colleagues and selected by a peer-led committee, CADC’s Student Services Office was commended for demonstrating a commitment to students even before they even begin their academic coursework.

In the summer, the 10-person team hosts a student-centered Camp War Eagle orientation for incoming first-year students and their families that has improved retention rates by connecting students with guidance and resources early in their academic careers. The two-day session includes major-specific advising, registration support, communication around fees and matriculation and opportunities for feedback—establishing clear expectations and reinforcing the support that students will receive throughout their time in the College.

Ben Farrow, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and International Programs and Professor, has overseen the CADC Student Services Office since 2016, through the advising program’s 2020 revamp.

“CADC’s model demonstrates how orientation advising can be both deeply personal and strategically scalable—offering a blueprint for institutions seeking to elevate student engagement and success from day one,” Farrow said.