Tyree Mathis from University of Virginia shares Advisor Advice for Fall 2024.
What are you up to this summer?
Planning and prepping for welcome events, developing timelines for the academic year, pro devo, and conferences
What is your favorite part about your job?
The opportunity to work with students and see them work through their challenges, develop skills and competence, and grow as individuals.
What is one event that takes place on your campus that is either really unique or really memorable?
Rotunda Sing; a UVA tradition that welcomes all of our acapella groups to perform and help in welcoming our students back to Grounds
Who/ what are you listening to, reading, or watching right now?
I’m taking in ALL content related to Kendrick Lamar v Drake, specifically the discourse regarding the culture including but not limited to the value of Black culture, cultural competence, cultural awareness and respect, etc.
When it comes to working with this current generation of students, what advice do you have for fellow advisors?
If you treat like children, they will behave like children. You must give them responsibility and the opportunity to fail in order for them to develop.
What advice do you have for new advisors and professionals as they step into their busy fall semester?
Working to the bone is not a badge of honor. Take a walk, take a break, and yes.. miss a few events because you have a life outside of your job.
What advice do you have for new student programmers who are stepping into their roles in the fall for the first time?
3 things…. 1) Have fun… 2) Utilize your resources (specifically advisors and other pro staff), and 3) Perfection is not real but progress is. So, keep going despite the obstacles that arise.
What advice do you have for our experienced student leaders that are coming back for the fall in more senior leadership roles and have experience programming events/ leading their peers?
Don’t get too comfortable. There’s always something that can be done to improve.
After months of planning, it’s finally event and show day! What’s your one absolute most important Babco show tip to share with our readers?
I cannot stress this enough…. EAT! No event is worth sacrificing your nutrition and health. p.s. – You don’t have to do everything; delegate.