The Center for Academic Guidance at FSU offers comprehensive support to students throughout their academic journey.
The Advising First Center for Academic Guidance serves as an extra layer of support, working together with college life coaches and advisors. We're all here to help students build solid study habits and stay on track with coursework. Academic guides offer comprehensive resources and personalized support, empowering students to confidently pursue their academic dreams. We foster a collaborative space where students can truly explore their potential, develop vital skills, and navigate their academic path with ease.
Think of our guides as dedicated partners in higher education. These seasoned professionals are committed to helping undergraduate students thrive, persist, and ultimately graduate. Students who are invited to work with a guide receive personalized, one-on-one support. This includes identifying and understanding academic barriers, developing practical action plans to overcome them, and connecting with the right resources and support within the FSU community.
Our core philosophy:
Empathy
We listen, understand, and respond with sensitivity to the diverse experiences and needs of each student.
Advocacy
We champion student success by providing support and resources that empower them to navigate their academic journey.
Collaboration
We partner with students, staff, and campus resources to create a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
Personalization
We design our services and guidance to meet the unique academic goals and circumstances of every student.
Common topics of collaboration for guides and students include:
- Juggling academics and commitments.
- Navigating personal and financial challenges.
- Sharpening focus and time management.
- Engaging with the FSU and Tallahassee community.
- Embracing adulthood and future planning.
- Discovering personal identity.
- Any other factor influencing academic performance.
Academic Guidance Team
Office phone: (850) 644-1052Dana Auvil Assistant Director
Dana holds an Ed.S. in Higher Education Administration, M.S. in Integrated Marketing and Management Communication, and a B.S. in Communication, all earned through Florida State University. She joins the Center with more than 20 years' experience at the University having advised prospective medical students on creating a competitive application, graduate students on requirements for writing a thesis or dissertation, and community college students on requirements to transfer.
As a first-generation college student, Dana has a strong focus on the obstacles students face when seeking admission to, and then graduation from, institutions of higher education. Outside of work, she volunteers in the Tallahassee community through the Junior League of Tallahassee and serves on the Board of Directors for the local nonprofit, Ability 1st. In her free time, Dana enjoys being with her family and close friends, all things sports – especially attending her children’s softball and lacrosse games - and catching up on bingeworthy television.
Favorite Quote: “It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” - Albus Dumbledore
Office phone: (850) 644-1007Cara Axelrod Senior Academic Guide
Cara received her B.S. in Psychology and M.S. in Hospitality Entrepreneurship from Florida State University. She volunteers in the community with Tallahassee Animal Services and the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office.
Cara enjoys working with college students as she appreciates the opportunity to learn alongside individuals who care about making the world a better place. Because she is committed to the transformative power of higher education, she finds great joy in guiding students through their academic journeys. Cara enjoys unwinding by listening to audiobooks, cooking, and spending quality time with her rescue dog, Matata.
Favorite Quote: “There is no life I know to compare with pure imagination. Living there, you’ll be free if you truly wish to be.” – Willy Wonka
Office phone: (850) 645-3180Sarah Lovins Bacani Senior Academic Guide
Sarah earned a B.S. in Political Science and a minor in Geology from Florida State University. She has presented at regional and national conferences with NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising. Sarah is currently working on her Master of Social Work here at FSU. Sarah had such a great experience with advising as a student here at FSU that she wanted to give back in the same capacity. She loves working with college students to reflect the same care and attention she received. Sarah enjoys coming to work every day and creating a safe space where students can thrive and take ownership of their time here.
Favorite Quote: “Fairy tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” – Neil Gaiman
Office phone: (850) 645-0782LaToya Lee Senior Academic Guide
LaToya earned her B.A. degree in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University, and M.A. in Educational Leadership from Florida Gulf Coast University. Prior to her current role as a Senior Academic Guide, LaToya worked as an academic advisor for more than 15 years at Florida public universities. She is passionate about helping students make informed decisions pertaining to their goals and supporting them as they navigate their unique college experiences. In her free time, LaToya enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching sunsets at the beach, reading, and practicing mindfulness through meditation and yoga.
Favorite Quote: “For there is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” – Amanda Gorman
Office phone: (850) 644-3512Lisa Mitchell Senior Academic Guide
Lisa joins the Center for Academic Guidance with experience in both teaching (15+ years) and advising (3+ years). She earned both her B.A. in Theatre and her M.S. in English Education at Florida State University. Lisa finds great satisfaction in encouraging and guiding college students throughout their educational journey. She strives to help students recognize their value and embrace being the author of their own story.
Favorite Quote: “What we know matters, but who we are matters more.” – Brené Brown
Office phone: (850) 644-1192Bernard Shuford Senior Academic Guide
Bernard comes to the Center for Academic Guidance with over 15 years of experience in higher education and academic support services. He earned his B.S. in Journalism/Public Relations from Florida A&M University, and a M.S. in Sport Management from Florida State University. Bernard’s favorite part of academic guidance is the teaching aspect—guiding students as they develop and apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
During his time with Advising First, Bernard has instructed SLS 1122: Strategies for Academic Success and SLS 3140: Academic Success Strategies for Transfer Students. As a Senior Academic Guide, Bernard applies a strength-based approach to develop support strategies that reflect each student’s unique values, needs, and aspirations. He is dedicated to helping students identify key barriers to positive change and develop the commitment needed to achieve their academic goals.
Favorite Quote: “Goals are about the results you want to achieve. Systems are about the process that lead to those results.” – James Clear
Office phone: (850) 645-3178Melissa Tillery Senior Academic Guide
Melissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Florida State University and a Master’s in Public Health Promotion from the University of West Florida. She is a dedicated professional with a passion for empowering students and promoting community health.
During her graduate studies, Melissa contributed to the Neighborhood Development & Advocacy Project for the Greater Bond Community in 2021 and several student wellness initiatives with FSU’s Center for Health Advocacy & Wellness in 2024. In her role at Advising First, she has served as a Teaching Assistant for SLS1203: Introduction to Academic Major Exploration and as a Campus and Community Engagement Coordinator.
Favorite Quote: "You are worthy of the time it takes to do the things that heal your heart" - Morgan Harper Nichol
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between an academic guide, academic advisor, and college life coach?
Great question!
Academic Guides empower students to achieve their academic goals by proactively partnering with them to identify potential challenges and develop personalized success plans. This involves connecting them with relevant FSU resources and support services, providing clear guidance on FSU policies, and collaborating with FSU offices to ensure comprehensive support and advocacy for their success.
Academic Advisors offer comprehensive academic advising, proactively and responsively supporting students throughout their academic careers. This includes assisting with course selection, registration, major exploration, and navigating degree requirements, while also interpreting FSU policies for students and families, and actively representing our assigned department or college.
College Life Coaches help students integrate their academic, personal, and career goals. This means coaching them in defining their aspirations, building essential life skills for success in college and beyond, and connecting them with FSU involvement opportunities and campus resources.
How was I selected for this program?
The Advising First Center for Academic Guidance (CAG) is a data-driven initiative that looks directly at student progress and identifies those who could benefit from early intervention and an additional layer of support. This represents our commitment to all students and a recognition that some may go through a period where they can benefit greatly from the expertise of an academic guide.
How can I schedule a meeting with my academic guide?
You can always book through Campus Connect. Just log in, go to "Special Programs," pick "Center for Academic Guidance," and then click "Academic Guidance Meeting." Plus, keep an eye on your email or texts, as your guide will send you a direct scheduling link you can use!
What will we talk about?
We're here to offer individualized support tailored to your unique needs. During your first meeting, your guide will ask about any academic or personal challenges, familiar campus resources, your study strategies, and your confidence in your major. We'll then provide tailored recommendations, with follow-up meetings to continue the conversation and ensure you're on the right track.
How often do we meet?
The frequency of our meetings is up to you! Some students connect with us weekly, others every two weeks, and some just once a month. Each meeting typically lasts 45 minutes, and we can schedule them as often as you need.
Where are the individual meetings?
The Advising First Center for Academic Guidance is located on the 6th floor of the University Center, C Building – just above the Testing Center. We are also happy to meet via Zoom.
What happens if I can't make my individual meeting?
We totally get that life happens! If you can't make a scheduled meeting, please let your guide know as soon as you can so you can reschedule. Our guides support
around 100 students, so it's super helpful if you're proactive when you need to cancel or reschedule.
Is this program mandatory?
While academic guidance isn't mandatory for most students, our data clearly shows that students who meet with their guide are significantly more successful at FSU than those who don't.
Will my guide keep what we talk about private?
It's important to know that guides are "responsible employees" at FSU, which means they are required to report any instances of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination. However, please be assured that your guide is committed to your trust and safety and will only share other information with your explicit written consent.
Are academic guides available for everyone to meet with?
At this time, the Center for Academic Guidance is working exclusively with students participating in our program. However, if you're looking for other campus resources, please don't hesitate to email us at academicguidance@fsu.edu, and we'll gladly help you get connected.
Resources
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