February 6, 2025

By Shaniya Golden-Riddle

Academic advisors are some of the most important people in students' educational lives. Not only do they provide constant support, but they guide them on the right path to make sure credit requirements are met, and students' career and educational needs are attended to. Learn more about Abbey Lunning, an advisor for online and on-campus BS in Education programs as she shares some insight on her role and working at Drexel.

Q: Can you describe your role as an academic advisor and what a typical day looks like for you?  

A: As an academic advisor, I am responsible for helping students reach their full potential at various stages of their academic journeys. I assist students by providing resources, creating customized plans of study, evaluating transfer credits, hosting orientations and open houses, discussing goals, and preparing for certification. During a typical day as an academic advisor, I meet with students, colleagues, and attend training to ensure I am updated on the best advising practices.

Q: Tell us about the programs you advise here and how long you have been with Drexel.

A: I am the academic advisor for the online and on-campus BS in Education programs including PK4 certification, dual certification with special education, special education certification, and educational studies and innovation. I have been with Drexel for 5 years and have been in this role for a little over 3 years.

Q: How do you tailor your advising approach to meet the unique needs of Drexel students?

A: Each student has a very unique background and will require different needs/experiences. I maintain an open "virtual" door with all my students and listen to their questions/concerns when advising them. When first meeting a new student, I like to have conversations surrounding their goals for the future and where they are currently working, so I know more about them. Their plans of study are customized from day one to reflect their individual needs and transfer credits, so no one plan will look the same. I also have regular meetings with students throughout their program to adjust their plan as needed depending on life changes.

Q: How do you guide students in choosing their majors and co-op experiences?

A: When advising students on choosing a major, it is important to know about their interests, career goals, and current work experience. Sometimes, the major they start within the program is not where they finish. All their experiences, both in and out of the program, impact their major choice, so it is important to have regular check-ins and conversations surrounding their interests.

Q: What are some things you enjoy doing outside of work?

A: Outside of work, I enjoy reading, running, hiking, yoga, and spending time with my family.

Q: Do you have any fun facts to share about yourself?

A: My family vacations up in the Adirondack Mountains and I love to hike! One of my goals is to hike all 46 of the Adirondack High Peaks. I have hiked Mount Marcy, which is the highest point in the state of New York!