This fall, the first-year students in Randolph-Macon College’s Class of 2030 will experience a reimagined and holistic approach to academic advising with new Academic Success Advisors, as part of the centralized approach behind the College’s new Center for Student Success.

Every first-year student will have the opportunity to take a two-semester transition course with their assigned Academic Success Advisor. First piloted with 100 first-year students during the 2025-2026 academic year, this course provides students with dedicated academic advising and a curriculum of support as they transition to college.

Five new Academic Success Advisors have been hired ahead of this fall to join the outstanding staff already in place and expand the roster of professionals providing personalized support to students.

“The transition to college is one of the most important periods in a student’s academic journey,” said LaNea Winston, Assistant Dean for Academic Advising. “Academic advising is about much more than selecting courses. It’s about helping students explore who they are, discover their strengths, build confidence, connect with campus resources, and take ownership of their academic journey. Our Academic Success Advisors provide the intentional, proactive support that helps students thrive from their very first day at Randolph-Macon.”

Students will take the course titled EDGE 181 during the fall with an emphasis on exploration, connecting to campus resources, sharpening study skills, and learning about their strengths as college students and individuals. In the spring semester, EDGE 182 emphasizes career exploration and career readiness which includes a strong partnership with the EDGE Career Development team. As part of the course, students develop a portfolio that includes a resume, LinkedIn profile, four-year academic plan, and personalized assessments that help them identify their strengths and potential career pathways.

This work prepares students for a seamless transition to a faculty advisor in their selected major, whose mentorship and expertise are critical to helping students identify and engage in the academic experiences that will foster their success.

This integrated, intentional approach is termed the Randolph-Macon EDGE, as an acronym for the critical milestones along this individualized journey (Explore, Discern, Grow, Embark).

“Student success is about more than academic achievement alone,” said Tiffany Birdsong, Associate Provost and Dean for Student Success. “It’s about helping students develop confidence, build connections, navigate challenges, and engage fully in the opportunities that make a Randolph-Macon education transformative. Academic Success Advisors play an important role in ensuring students feel supported throughout that journey.” 

By providing proactive outreach and individualized guidance, Academic Success Advisors help ensure students have the support they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Early results suggest the pilot is making a meaningful difference, as participants were retained at higher rates than comparable students in the broader cohort.

The addition of Academic Success Advisors also reflects the vision behind the new Center for Student Success, a centralized hub that brings together academic advising, academic support services, career development, and global engagement opportunities through the Office of International Education. By connecting these resources in one location, the College is making it easier for students to access the people, programs, and experiences that contribute to their success.