Meet Your Advisor: Melanie Watson

In this series, we talk to our amazing advising team, to get to know them better and learn about how they can help students! Today, we meet Melanie Watson, academic advisor.

Let us know a little about yourself:

I am originally from Connecticut and attended Bates College in Maine where I studied political economics, women gender studies and competed in DIII lacrosse. Since graduating, I’ve been out here in Colorado for the past six years, and there’s no looking back from me. I have a LOVE for the mountains, backcountry skiing, and road/mountain biking – nothing better than that fresh mountain air.

I am about to start my final quarter at University of Denver’s Morgridge College of Education, working to get a Master’s in Higher Education, so it’s been a great learning experience and tons of fun to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to my day-to-day as an advisor here at University College.

Before moving into a career in higher education a few years ago, I worked in advertising and coached a local high school lacrosse team. I loved working with high school students, so it’s been rewarding to carry on my passion of working with students on a different level.

What programs do you advise for?

I advise for Strategic Human Resources, and help prospective students and applicants in Communication Management.

What can a student gain from meeting with you?

Great resources on and off campus, support to help the student reach their educational and career goals. I love helping students decide on the best course plan that balances their life outside of the classroom. Additionally, I can help to answer questions, help manage course load, provide instructor insight, and most importantly, I will always be my students No. 1 cheerleader and advocate!

How often do you suggest a student meet with you?

Whatever works best for the student; everyone is different! This said, I like to connect with my students via email or phone at least once a quarter, if they are able. I’m always happy to find a time to chat whether there are issues, questions or if students just want to check in and say hi!

Best advice for students on how to navigate the education/work-life balance?

Communication is key! If my students have a lot going on personally and/or career-wise on top of their education, I encourage them to be communicative with me and the instructor as proactively as possible. We are here to help our students succeed, so the more we know, the better. Also, setting up a calendar and building a routine is a huge piece to managing the education/work-life balance. Sometimes it takes a week or two to figure out what that routine is and how students best work, so I always tell my students to be patient and to feel free to ask me for advice. 

What else should your advisees know? 

As a current graduate student and advisor here, I’m a great resource for all things University of Denver! Not to mention I love Colorado and have lived all over Denver, Boulder, and Summit County. Let me know if you are looking for any recommendations!

You can contact Melanie at melanie.watson@du.edu or 303-871-4054.