College entry advisors ‘truly changing lives’
Feb. 29, 2024
Georgian student Katie Epkenhaus was missing some of the admission requirements she needed to get into the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program.
Thanks to an innovative initiative led by the Office of the Registrar and her determination to pursue a career in the field, Katie is now months away from graduation!
Working with College Entry Advisor Sabrina Chun, Katie found a pathway into the program. Together, they developed a plan to meet admission requirements, which included taking upgrading courses through Academic and Career Preparation.
Watch a video to hear Katie’s story
Georgian supports
Along with the personalized experience she received during the application process, Katie has appreciated the wide range of academic and student services supports available to her as a Georgian student – especially as a mature student returning to studies after some time.
“As a mature student and as a mother, the financial aspects of coming to college were intimidating,” says Katie. “But there are supports in place – like OSAP, scholarships, awards and bursaries to help make your goals possible.”
Katie has also found the Clinical Placement team invaluable to her success.
“Clinical placements have been an empowering, humbling and inspiring part of my Georgian experience,” says Katie. “The team tries to ensure we have exposure to various opportunities – ranging from pediatrics and long-term care to private clinics and hospitals. This is critical in helping us to make a decision on what we want to specialize in after graduation.”
College entry advisors
Georgian piloted the entry advising initiative in spring of 2022 to help bridge the gap in the applicant experience and guide unsuccessful applicants in becoming future students.
When an applicant lacks requirements to be admitted to a program, or if they’re eligible but not competitive, an advisor reaches out. Through one-on-one discussions, the advisor seeks to understand each applicant’s career aspirations and interests.
In collaboration with the applicant, they identify next steps, which might include exploring:
- how to become eligible for the desired program via upgrading or testing,
- credit transfer and pathway options, and/or
- alternate programs that fit the applicant’s interest.
Want to apply to Georgian? Check out our admissions roadmap and explore our more than 130+ market-driven programs.
Being MORE
Hear more inspiring student stories like Katie’s. See our Being MORE playlist on YouTube.