MechSE’s Chief Academic Advisor Stephanie Ott-Monsivais has been honored with the very competitive Campus Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising.
The award honors advisors who have had a major impact on undergraduate students and their intellectual development; have had innovative approaches to and sustained excellence in advising, and other contributions to improve undergraduate advising.
Ott-Monsivais has been an academic advisor for students in MechSE’s two undergraduate programs, Engineering Mechanics and Mechanical Engineering, since she started in the MechSE Undergraduate Programs Office in 2016. With an assigned load of 60-80 advisees each semester, plus many more student interactions based on walk-in and follow-up loads, she works many late nights to accommodate students’ schedules and to ensure that each of her students receives an individualized advising experience.
Ott-Monsivais has previously been recognized for her sustained excellence in undergraduate advising as a Grainger College of Engineering Engineering Council Outstanding Advisor—in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022—every year but one since she became an advisor. Those named are recognized as the top 10% of engineering advisors selected by their students. She has also had a major impact on undergraduate students and their intellectual development through sustained academic advising relationships. Because of her dedication to students, she was honored in 2022 with the GCOE’s Kay Kappes Golden Shamrock Award. The Golden Shamrock is presented to an individual who has demonstrated leadership and service, contributed to the enhancement of student activities, and maintained a high level of character. Additionally, she won the “Dependable Dynamo” MechSE Staff Award in 2021 for her knowledge on all aspects of the curriculum and her positive, supportive attitude.
Ott-Monsivais will be formally recognized at the university’s Celebration of Teaching Excellence ceremony and reception on April 12.