What Advisors, Tutors, and Professors Want You to Know

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Support, Advice, and Encouragement for Every Wildcat

College is one of the most exciting chapters of your life – think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure book, but with more coffee and less dragons. It’s a time filled with new experiences, challenges, and opportunities, and it’s a time you’ll always remember. To help you make the most of it, we asked University of Arizona advisors, professors, and Think Tank tutors to share the tips they wish every student knew. 

Their advice in summary? Be proactive, stay curious, and remember that you’ve got a whole community rooting for your success.

Advisors: More Than Class Schedules

“Your effort, mindset, and ability to connect with others matter just as much as your final product.” 

– Daniel Jiménez Flores, CALES Academic Advisor

Advisors do more than schedule classes – they help you design your future. They’ll cheer you on, guide you through twists and turns, connect you with majors and campus resources, help you understand requirements, and guide you to opportunities like research, study abroad, or leadership programs. 

Their biggest piece of advice? Ask early and ask often. “Asking for help is a powerful act of self-care,” says Daniel Jiménez Flores. Fellow CALES advisor Julian Mirano adds, “Advisors can connect you to research opportunities, study abroad, and so much more. We want students to grow, not just survive.”

Advisors also encourage students to think beyond classes. Big-picture questions like “What do I want my college journey to look like?” or “How can I grow?” help advisors engage in a more holistic approach. “I want to know who you are, what matters to you, and how we can build a path that feels right,” Daniel emphasized. 

Advisors also point students to the full catalog of campus resources. All U of A students have excellent resources at their fingertips (Think Tank, SALT Center, Thrive Center, Student Engagement and Career Development, and Campus Health Counseling and Psych Services). Adriana Campas, Academic Advisor for the School of Government & Public Policy, reminds students to “bring specific questions to your instructor or TA during office hours,” and take advantage of tutoring, workshops, and academic coaching early on.

And yes, get involved! Clubs, sports, leadership roles, volunteer opportunities all help you grow, build community, and strengthen your resume. Daniel sums it up: “Find your people, ask questions, and remember that you belong here.”

Tutors: More Than Homework Help

“Don’t be afraid to apply to that program you don’t feel 'qualified' enough for, and take that class you feel like doesn’t 'align with' your degree.” 

– Aliyah Postell, Think Tank Tutor Program Coordinator

The Think Tank isn’t just for tutoring; though it’s great for that too. Aliyah Postell, Tutor Program Coordinator, explains, “Think Tank is a hub for student support where students can receive academic support through tutoring and supplemental instruction, and they can also receive more holistic support through coaching and workshops designed to help students build skills they need to successfully navigate college.”

Her advice for students worried about trying something new? “The worst they can say is no.” Aliyah shares a story from her undergraduate studies when she applied to more than 10 research programs despite feeling underqualified, and one of them said yes. “The best you can gain on the other side is a lifetime of learning experiences,” she says.

Branching out academically and socially is also key. Aliyah encourages students to explore unexpected classes, clubs, and experiences: she urges students to try new things, even if they are passionate about a specific field. “I added minors in Astronomy and Classics just by taking gen ed classes I enjoyed.”

• U of A has hundreds of clubs and minors that provide great opportunities to test the waters and learn new things. Read 20 Unique Clubs at the U of A and 10 Interesting Minors at the University of Arizona for some inspiration!

Professors: More Than Grades

“Trust the process. It’s not always going to make sense, but in the end, you will be rewarded for doing the work.” 

– Kyle Tusing, Ph.D.

Professors agree: success isn’t about shortcuts. It takes planning, consistency, and asking for help when needed. “If you don’t plan for success, you plan to fail,” says Ashley Jordan, Ph.D., Professor of Practice in Psychology. Staying organized and blocking study time are essential, especially if you’re juggling school, work, and life.

Kyle Tusing, Ph.D., Professor of Practice in Communication, adds that success also comes from perspective: “Trust the process. It’s not always going to make sense, but in the end, you will be rewarded for doing the work.” His practical tip? “Prioritize the requirements of the class and things will naturally fall into place.” Even small habits, like not sitting by friends in class, can make a difference.

When it comes to struggling, professors echo advisors: don’t wait. Review your syllabi, check D2L, and bring specific questions to office hours. “Many students come into my statistics class terrified of math,” Dr. Jordan says. “Seeing them overcome that fear and succeed is my absolute favorite part of teaching.” Dr. Tusing agrees: “Actions (attending class, reading, studying) are more important than intentions. Apply time and effort to reverse the struggle.”

And don’t fear failure. “Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm,” Dr. Jordan reminds students, quoting Winston Churchill. Dr. Tusing adds, “Failing can be informative and instructive. No one cares if you fail, and if they do care, you shouldn’t care that they care.”

Office hours aren’t just for homework, they’re a backstage pass to professors’ career stories. Dr. Jordan encourages students to ask about career paths: “There’s no single straight line to success. Seeing different paths can expand your horizons and spark new ideas.”

7 Key Takeaways for Thriving as a Wildcat

Advisors, tutors, and professors agree on a few universal truths:

1. Be Proactive: Don’t wait until your backpack is overflowing – ask early!

2. Engage Actively: Show up, participate, and own your learning.

3. Plan for Success: Block out time, anticipate challenges, and make a strategy.

4. Trust the Process: Even if things seem confusing now, consistent effort pays off.

5. Embrace the Journey: Mistakes are plot twists, not dead ends.

6. Find Your People: Clubs, internships, affinity groups – your community matters.

7. Take Risks: Apply for that research program, join that quirky class, or explore something new.

 

Your Wildcat community is here to support you every step of the way. Stay curious, take risks, and ask for help – do that, and you’ll thrive in college.