This month we are spotlighting Jennifer Freitas, Student Success Advisor from Michigan State University!

What has your career path been like up to this point?

After graduating from Michigan State University, I started my professional career as a K-12 science educator. I taught high school biology, chemistry, and AP Biology in two districts in Michigan over the course of five years. I additionally completed a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction while I was teaching full-time. While I genuinely loved the classroom, life situations brought me to explore other fields of education. I transitioned from K-12 to higher education upon accepting a position as Student Success Advisor at Michigan State University in the College of Natural Science in 2023. Since beginning my role, I have worked to support students who are in the ASUS (Academic Standing of Undergraduate Students) process and students who are under 56 credits in the NatSci Exploratory Major.

What brings you joy outside of work?

One of my greatest joys outside of work is spending time with my spouse and our young daughter. We love to go on adventures together, including aquariums, museums, and trips to our family Lake Michigan area house. I also love to create floral arrangements, read thriller novels, go thrift shopping, and host dinner parties & game nights.

Could you tell us more about the time you’ve spent there advising?

My advising position is somewhat unique to other academic advisors because I don’t advise a departmental/program major (aside from the very small student population of our version of undecided). The primary aspect of my role is to advise cohorts of students who are on academic probation. I facilitate student satisfactory academic progress plans, co-create action steps for student success, and develop learning experiences in various academic skills students need to be successful in their programs and majors. The learning experiences I currently design, and implement, are learner management (D2L) online modules and Student Success Skill Sessions that students in ASUS cohorts are required to participate in for the program as they work to return to good standing. I offer my Student Success advising appointments for students to receive academic skill support beyond major advice for our entire college.

Congratulations on receiving your mini grant! Could you tell us about how you will use the funds and what it means to you?

Thank you! I was really excited to purchase several NACADA bookstore items that will add to my knowledge base of supporting students on academic probation and students with learning disabilities. I look forward to expanding my advising philosophy through literature this year.

What stands out to you the most about your experiences with MIACADA so far? 

My first MIACADA experience was volunteering at and attending the 2025 Annual Conference at MSU Kellogg Center in May. It was apparent to me through intentionality of the volunteers and in meeting other advisors at the sessions that MIACADA is an incredibly compassionate, and down-to-earth organization that values the support of advising professionals. It felt very easy to get involved and there are many opportunities to connect with members throughout the year. I also loved connecting with the Michigan group at the 2025 NACADA Regional Conference in April where many MIACADA folks were too. It was an inviting space! There is a strong sense of positive community of fellow academic advisors from Michigan, in which MIACADA plays a part.

What advice would you give to new advising professionals entering the field?

Forgive yourself for mistakes you make in your job! Academic advisors are often seen as “hubs” of institutional knowledge. It can be very difficult to manage all the information (that often changes!) and apply that effectively when working for students. I have learned through my years working in various capacities with students that they are far more forgiving of you than you are of yourself, especially when you are honest and humble/willing to stand corrected. This can help go a long way with humanizing yourself and building rapport with students.