USask academic advisor honoured by peers

By Chris Putnam

Angela Schindelka, an academic advisor in the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Arts and Science, is being recognized by the global community of academic advisors.

Schindelka is the 2024 winner of an Excellence in Advising Award from the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).

“It’s an honour. I’m blown away that I was chosen,” said Schindelka. “I’m very much considering it a team win—I wouldn’t be the advisor I am without the team that I’m part of.”

NACADA awards are the most prestigious honours in the field of academic advising. Schindelka’s award recognizes excellence by a new advisor within the local NACADA region, which spans much of Western Canada and the Midwestern United States.

Academic advisors are crucial to the success of students at USask. Working directly with students, advisors answer questions about university policies and procedures and help students choose the right courses and programs to meet their academic goals.

Since joining the college’s Undergraduate Student Office (UGSO) in March 2022, Schindelka has already become known as a leader within her office and a valuable resource for students. In feedback, students describe her as “organized and welcoming,” “professional,” “informative, non-judgemental” and “kind.”

Schindelka worked for 10 years as a public school teacher and draws on her teaching experience to respond to the diverse needs and learning styles of the students she serves.

“I was always teaching from the heart, and so I advise from the heart. I think it’s important to make connections with students, build rapport, build trust through accurate information, timely responses—those kinds of things,” she said.

The academic advisor has also supported other staff in the UGSO by creating online training resources, helping colleagues find professional development opportunities and organizing sessions for staff to share new knowledge.

Schindelka (BSc’09, BEd’12, Cert’16) is a USask graduate and a current master’s student in the College of Education’s Educational Technology and Design Program.

“The university was a very, very transformative experience for me. And I think that people say that in a cliché way sometimes, but it was truly transformative. And so for me, it’s an honour to be able to help serve students and help them have transformative experiences while they’re here,” she said.

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