Accolades

Academic Advising Awards Ceremony Returns In Person This Year

Nancy Harayama (Wheelock) and Alyse Bithavas (CGS) to be honored

If anyone lives by the creed “pay it forward,” it’s Nancy Harayama (Wheelock’95,’13). A senior lecturer in special education at Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, where she directs the undergraduate program, Harayama took on academic advising duties for undergraduates back when she was hired as instructor while working toward her Wheelock doctorate. What spurred her interest in advising? 

“I am always drawing from the incredible guidance and support that I received from my academic advisor, Professor Donna Lehr, associate professor and special education program coordinator at Wheelock,” Harayama says. “I want to celebrate all my students’ accomplishments. It is always a joy to hear from alumni, as well.” 

Following in her mentor’s advising footsteps earned Harayama one of this year’s two annual awards for academic advising. Also honored is Alyse Bithavas (CGS’83, CAS’87, Wheelock’97), director of student services and academic advising at the College of General Studies.

In a sign that life gradually may be exiting the pandemic, the two will be honored in person at the end of Friday’s ninth annual Academic Advising Symposium (last year’s event was virtual, due to the pandemic). RSVP here for the symposium, to be held from 9 am to 12:45 pm in the Metcalf Trustees Ballroom at One Silber Way.

The Undergraduate Academic Advising Awards, each conferring $1,500, are given to advisors “who have engaged students in the collaborative process of advising and have had a significant impact on students’ academic careers.” The awards have two categories. Harayama took the award for “faculty academic advisor,” given to a faculty member whose main focus is teaching and/or research, but who devotes part of their time to advising. Bithavas won as a “professional academic advisor,” a BU staff member whose main job is advising. 

A committee—comprising undergraduates, a representative from the Office of the Provost, two previous winners, and faculty/staff from the Provost’s Advising Network—chooses the annual advising honorees from nominations made by students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Harayama has worked at BU for 11 years, Bithavas for 25.

The latter has advised students for that entire quarter century, a passion she discovered while applying her degree in counseling psychology as a therapist in several college counseling centers. “It became clear to me in my work with students that initiating and maintaining strong advising relationships is vital for student success,” Bithavas says. “Working with students as an academic advisor has enabled me to use my knowledge of student development, education, and counseling.

“Based on my experience, I feel that all students need support and guidance as part of a comprehensive educational experience, to help them reach their full potential. Whether it is assisting a student to access campus services, or discussing major choices, my desire to support students throughout their academic endeavors has continued to be the driving force in my professional satisfaction and growth.”

What is the short version of the winning advisors’ best advice to students?

Bithavas: “Connect with your advisors and faculty. Take advantage of opportunities the University has to offer.” Harayama: “I encourage undergraduate students to explore outside of their fields and build a wide base of knowledge and skills to prepare for a future that requires professionals to take a more interdisciplinary approach to their work. BU Hub, especially the Cross-College Challenge [a four-credit elective for juniors and seniors], is a great way to do this.”