Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
March 26, 2004
First U of G Excellence in Academic Advising Medallion awarded
The first recipient of the Excellence in Undergraduate Academic Advising Medallion was announced today by the University of Guelph’s Council on Undergraduate Academic Advising (CUAA).
Animal and poultry science faculty adviser and professor Jim Atkinson is recognized for making an outstanding contribution by helping students in the development and pursuit of academic goals.
“I’m thrilled by this honour,” said Atkinson. “Acting as a student adviser allows me to encourage students to think in ways they haven’t thought in before, to gain confidence in doing things they haven’t done before and to enjoy both the process and the challenges they experience.”
Atkinson has been teaching and advising bachelor of science students at U of G for 25 years. He was nominated by student Reannon Marcelissen and received supporting letters from students and two colleagues. He is lauded for his availability to students, approachability and innovative delivery methods.
"Dr. Atkinson has earned the students' respect and gratitude for keeping us all on the path to achieving our goals and aspirations," said Marcelissen. "He is well deserving of this great honour."
Atkinson will be presented with a gold medallion, custom-designed by Ian Smith of the college of biological science dean's office, and a certificate. The annual award was created by the CUAA, which was formed in 2003 following a 14-month comprehensive review of academic advising at U of G. “The medal was designed to recognize the great work our advisers do and the importance of academic advising to an undergraduate's career," said Shari Dorr, co-ordinator of the Undergradaute Academic Information Centre.
The recipient of the medallion is chosen by a selection committee chaired by the associate vice-president (academic) or a designate and two undergraduate students from different colleges, a college dean, a faculty member and the Central Student Association academic commissioner. Nominations were evaluated on the evidence of qualities and practices that distinguish the nominee as outstanding in his or her role.
The council, which is chaired by Prof. Jill McCutcheon, acting associate vice-president (academic), manages and co-ordinates all aspects of academic advising and has broad representation from numerous groups on campus.
Contact:
Prof. Jim Atkinson
Department of Animal and Poultry Science
(519) 824-4120, Ext. 53716
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rachelle Cooper, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982.
