Up Close: Peter Palumbo — Director of Academic Advising
This week I am pleased to reintroduce you to our “Up Close and Personal” feature. So, let’s meet with Peter Palumbo, director of academic advising, who joined the Providence College community in February, 2016.
Jackie
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am originally from West Long Branch, NJ., and did my undergraduate and graduate work in Communication Sciences at the University of Connecticut. Before coming to PC, I was the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Advising at Suffolk University, taught in the Communication Program at Suffolk, and, then, was the Director of Academic Advising at Dean College. I live in Charlestown, RI, with my wife, dog, and cats.
(Editor’s Note: Peter and I both work in the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies — and I am happy to know that he is a “cat person.”)
What can you tell us about your current role?
As director of academic advising, my primary goal is to enhance the advising experience for students and faculty. To achieve that goal, I am focusing on increasing the use of technology and other advising tools, as well as providing opportunities for students, with the support of their advisors, to take an increased role of ownership for their education.
What led you to become involved in the field of academic advising — what do you like most about your role?
I was drawn to academic advising because, based on my own experience as a first-generation college student, I am fascinated by the impact an academic advisor can have on a student’s development. I am passionate about being an advocate for students, and I relish the opportunity to collaborate with faculty and staff to continually improve the student experience at Providence College.
As director of academic advising, do you have any advice for parents as to how they can assist their students to make the most of their PC academic experience?
My advice for parents would be to have an open dialogue with your students about your expectations. Be sure to listen to what your students tell you and encourage them to become strong self-advocates, in order to enrich their experience at college. In academic advising, we always focus on helping students to cultivate transferable skills that they will be able to draw on throughout their life. As a parent you can reinforce this message by recommending to your sons and daughters that they make good use of academic and non-academic campus resources to help them in this process.
When you are not wearing your “advisor hat” what do you like to do for fun?
I love nature and take every opportunity to spend time at the beach, camping, and hiking. I enjoy traveling and am always looking for my next adventure.
