At a celebration and reception at Merten Hall on March 23, Volgenau School of Engineering's Smriti Kansal, academic/career advisor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, was recognized as George Mason University's 2016 Academic Advisor of the Year.
Assistant Dean of the Academic Advising & Transfer Center, Ann Lewis described the advisors as "rainbows of hope" for students who may be experiencing cloudy days.
Students say that Kansal is great because she is always willing to help, regardless of how time consuming it maybe. "She doesn't mind when students drop in during her lunch and gives them assistance, regardless." They add that they couldn't imagine the department without her.
Advisors from across campus were nominated for the award. Two additional Volgenau School advisors, Lisa Nolder and Anya Sailey, claimed the runner-up spots, with a total of VSE advisors nominated.
The criteria for Advisor of the Year was based on both the quality of students' comments on the nominations, as well as the number of nominations made.
Other VSE nominees for the award were:
Laura Kosoglu
Pelin Kurtay
David Lattanzi
Tamara Maddox
Colin Reagle
Anya Sailey
Kathleen Wage
Qi Wei
Shankiang Zhu
Each nominee received a certificate of recognition award at the luncheon. Kansal received a $500 cash prize, a gift card from the George Mason University Bookstore, four tickets to a performance of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and a fall semester parking pass.