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:

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 Design
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Isabel L. Basilis

Director of Operations – VWIL; Advising Coach, VWIL

Jada Smith

Career Design Advisor; Advising Coach, Health and Science
Jennifer Switzer headshot

Jennifer Switzer

Instruction and E-Resources Librarian; Advising Coach, Health and Science
Holly-Smartt

Holly Smartt

Instruction and Outreach Librarian; Advising Coach, Business and Technology

Christina Harris

Director of Career and Life Design; Advising Coach, Education and Society

Destiny Woodall

Director, Office of Inclusive Excellence; Advising Coach, Undecided Students
Rev. Andrea Cornett-Scott

Andrea Cornett-Scott

Chief Diversity Officer; Advising Coach, Ida B. Wells + PERSIST
Brig. Gen. Terry Djuric, US Air Force, Retired

Brig. Gen. Terry Djuric

Commandant of Cadets for the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership and Senior Advisor to the President; Advising Coach, VWIL

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.

MBU is made for you.
Connect with an Admissions Counselor.