Residential Undergraduate Advising at MBU
MBU is committed to ensuring all students receive the best guidance possible for their academic journey when they move to campus.
From orientation to senior year, you can work with our advising coaches to connect with the resources you need to succeed at MBU.


Located in The Commons
The Commons at Grafton Library is MBU’s hub for all your academic needs.
The Advising Process at MBU
Advising Coaches
During summer orientation, MBU residential freshmen will be assigned a coach based on their Neighborhood.
Coaches help students register for first-semester classes, build connections, and get adjusted to life on campus. Through virtual meetings and on-campus orientation events, you’ll get to know your coach personally and grow from their guidance.
Faculty Advisors
Students will also be assigned a faculty advisor from that Neighborhood during their first semester.
Faculty advisors officially handle students’ course planning for the remainder of their time at MBU. However, coaches are still happy to meet with and guide students in other aspects of their academic journey.
Connect With Your Coach
Our coaches are MBU staff members committed to making the best college experience for every student! Though coaches only serve as course advisors during orientation, they are still committed to assisting students of all grade levels with:
- Navigating the college experience
- Balancing college with your personal life
- Improving time management and study skills
- Tying your academics to your personal and professional goals
- Connecting with other support services such as tutoring, personal counseling, and disability resources
Students can drop in to the advising office in The Commons any time to meet with their Advising Coach.
To schedule an appointment online, click the link below to login through Handshake with your MBU email. Navigate to Career Center, Appointment, and then New Student Advising to schedule an appointment with your Advising Coach.
Advising Coaches

Chrissy Stein
Writing Center Director; Advising Coach, Education and Society + Creativity and Designcstein@marybaldwin.edu
Isabel L. Basilis
Director of Operations – VWIL; Advising Coach, VWIL

Jennifer Switzer
Instruction and E-Resources Librarian; Advising Coach, Health and ScienceJNSwitzer@marybaldwin.edu
Holly Smartt
Instruction and Outreach Librarian; Advising Coach, Business and TechnologyHJSmartt@marybaldwin.edu
Christina Harris
Director of Career and Life Design; Advising Coach, Education and Societycjharris@marybaldwin.edu
Destiny Woodall
Director, Office of Inclusive Excellence; Advising Coach, Undecided Studentsdswoodall@marybaldwin.edu
Andrea Cornett-Scott
Chief Diversity Officer; Advising Coach, Ida B. Wells + PERSISTascott@marybaldwin.edu
Brig. Gen. Terry Djuric
Commandant of Cadets for the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership and Senior Advisor to the President; Advising Coach, VWILtdjuric@marybaldwin.edu
Contact Us
Location:
The Commons at Grafton Library
201 E Frederick St, Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 887-7085
Hours:
M – F, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.