California State University, East Bay

12/02/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/02/2024 18:19

Major Stupski Grants Transform Academic Advising

Thanks to a new $2.5M grant from the Stupski Foundation, Cal State East Baywill have a more visible and accessible advising system.


"Both the first Stupski grant and this new one are true game-changers for our campus," said Interim Provost Kim Greer. "Beyond just financial support, our Stupski partners have been incredible thought collaborators."


Greer says advising has moved to a more decentralized structure that emphasizes consistent, strong support tailored to each student's major, career goals, and personal identity.


"Academic advising is crucial for student success, retention and progress toward graduation," said Greer. "Clearer roles and manageable caseloads for advisors allow for more personalized support, creating a more accessible and visible advising system."


In 2020, the first Stupski grant sparked big changes - helping the university develop a holistic, relationship-focused advising model. Fully functional, college-based advising centers that align closely with college procedures were set up. Before this, freshmen could interact with several advisors and be sent to multiple offices around campus.

This second grant will allow Cal State East Bay to keep building on its progress.

"The Stupski Foundation is proud to continue investing in advising and advisors, who are foundational to student success at CSU East Bay," said Jennifer Nguyen, director of postsecondary success at the Stupski Foundation. "From advisor wellness to offering more advisor capacity, this grant is a testament to the hard work of CSU East Bay's team and its advisors. I look forward to continuing to work with the campus - I enjoy our partnership with the CSU East Bay team due to their candor about possibilities, successes, and places where they hope to pivot due to challenges. This grant is a testament to CSU East Bay's dedication to students, and advisors and a commitment to the work entailed in bridging complex systems."