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Streamlining Success: Meet Heather Corley, Student Success Advisor for B.S. in Data Science Students
Heather Corley serves as a Student Success Advisor at the University of Virginia's School of Data Science, where she assists students in navigating degree requirements and contributes to developing the school's academic advising and student success strategies.
Corley joined the School in 2023 and brings a wealth of experience with her, including academic advising roles at Pennsylvania State University and Virginia Tech. Keep reading to find out more about Corley and BSDS advising.
Q: What’s academic advising, in a nutshell?
Advising is pivotal in shaping a student’s academic journey, personal growth, and future success. Advisors serve as mentors, helping students navigate course selection, degree requirements, and career opportunities while providing guidance tailored to their individual goals and interests. Beyond academics, advisors help students build connections and encourage engagement in research, internships, and extracurricular activities that enrich their college experience and prepare them for life beyond graduation.
Q: As the Student Success Advisor for B.S. in Data Science (BSDS) students, what’s your main goal?
Our students are trying to make the most of their time at UVA by pursuing multiple academic programs, social activities, and co-curricular activities, often resulting in a challenge to balance priorities. I think students also compare themselves to their peers and worry about being the most marketable in their job search. Advising appointments give students individualized and holistic attention while we discuss structuring their degree requirements to fulfill their interests and goals.
During these appointments and workshops, I encourage self-reflection on academic and personal goals, including exploring their strengths, addressing their challenges, and helping them plan for future semesters. When students engage with academic advising they develop better habits and skills like critical thinking, help-seeking, problem-solving, goal setting, decision-making, and time management.
Q: What’s a one-on-one appointment with you like?
A BSDS student makes an appointment with me to talk about whatever is on their mind. It usually starts with a question related to academic planning, but often those conversations evolve beyond immediate coursework and we start talking about long-term career goals and ways to integrate their academic journey with other activities. It isn’t rare for students to come to me with concerns about their academic progress, and during these conversations, there could be a number of challenges the student is facing either academic or personal.
I’m here to listen to students as a whole individual – not just someone taking classes in our major. Whether it’s a student struggling in a class, trying to find research or career opportunities, or thinking about the future, I can help you think broadly about the possibilities, answer specific questions, or get you in front of the person who can.
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Q: You’re available for one-on-one appointments, but also put on larger workshops for groups. Can you talk about one?
Many of our students were excited and anxious to explore a second major as soon as the academic year began. Both Stephanie Joynes, Assistant Director of Career & Professional Development for the School of Data Science, and I noticed that students were ping-ponging between us asking questions about double majoring.
We encountered many students under the impression that it is necessary to graduate with a second major to be competitive in the job market. As a result, we hosted an information session to address the benefits and challenges of double majoring and highlighted the opportunities to minor and/or complete more than one concentration in the major.
Q: What tool do students use to navigate enrollment and degree planning at the School of Data Science?
The School of Data Science is one of two Schools that was provided the opportunity to pilot Stellic in the fall of 2024. For the first time, the University of Virginia has an advising platform that academic advisors across Grounds utilize to advise undergraduate students. Students can get rid of their Excel spreadsheets and paper checklists for mapping out their requirements! Not only can students find their degree requirements, search courses, and explore other majors and minors, but they can easily interact with their advisor. One hundred percent of the inaugural BSDS cohort logged into Stellic and 71 appointments were scheduled in the fall 2024 semester.
Q: How necessary is advising for an interdisciplinary major like Data Science?
Our major is really different – we are a “liberal arts degree for the data age,” meaning we think taking courses outside of data science is essential to your being a great data scientist. Students select at least one concentration in Data Science (Analytics, Systems, Design, Value), and can add optional Collaborative Concentrations.
We have no restrictions on electives that students may take outside of the School of Data Science, and elective credits can also be satisfied by pursuing a minor from any School at UVA or a second major in the College of Arts & Sciences. We offer study abroad programs in Denmark, Spain, and Sweden. Students can fulfill major requirements during a semester-long program abroad and develop their communication skills and cultural competency. Careful course planning can help students maximize their opportunities and get it done in the required time frame, and I’m passionate about empowering students with the right information to accomplish their goals.
Heather Corley is the Student Success Advisor for students currently enrolled in the BSDS program. First-year students interested in applying to the School of Data Science B.S. in Data Science program can connect with Admissions here. Learn more about the B.S. in Data Science, prerequisites, scholarships and more here.
