MEMO
To:
All UFV Employees
From:
Javier Juarez: New Academic Advisor
Date:
July 16, 2021
Re:
New Employee Introduction & Academic Advising Centre Benefits for Students
This memo is to introduce myself, a new Academic Advisor in the University of the Fraser Valley’s (UFV)
Academic Advising Centre, and to provide an overview of the Advising Centre’s services. These services are
valuable to new and returning students, and it is my hope that staff members become familiar with my role
and our services to refer to students in need of assistance.
Academic Advisor Role
My employment as UFV’s newest Academic Advisor begins in the upcoming Fall 2022 semester. As a life-long
resident of Abbotsford, which is located on the unceded traditional territory of the Stó: lō Peoples, working at
UFV’s Abbotsford campus is an exciting opportunity that is close to my home and my heart. I have spent my
working life guiding students through their academic careers with patience, consideration, strategy, and
empathy for the often overwhelming and labour-intensive years of study. As such, I work with students with
academic advising, making career pathway decisions and with time management and study skills strategies.
These are all typical areas where students may need assistance throughout their learning.
My education and work experience for this position:
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Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Psychology completed in 2007 from the University of
British Columbia (UBC). Master’s degree in Education completed in 2009 from UBC
Worked as a Program Advisor for Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) from 2009 to 2017
Employed with Simon Fraser University (SFU) as an Academic Advisor from 2017 until 2022
Outside of working hours, I am a regular volunteer in the Abbotsford Hospice Society supporting local families
in crisis. I am honoured to be a new member of the UFV team; and I hope you will refer your students to me
for supports needed!
Advising Centre Service Summary
The Advising Centre is a resource available to current, new, and potential students. It is often the first resource
accessed by students, and the Centre continues to aid students through the entirety of their education.
Appointments are organized through an online request service where students can appointment-based
system where students may request and select a specific type of appointment: personal or career counselling
services, changing programs, declaring majors & minors, course selection, as well as many other services and
topics available on the UFV Advising Centre’s website (University of the Fraser Valley, n.d.).
In addition to these services, “we provide a human connection for students to talk through decision -making
while attending UFV” (University of the Fraser Valley, n.d.). Students can focus then on their learning and
career pathways with confidence and with intentional planning and direction.
Importance and Benefits to Students
“Effective career advising earlier in the students’ undergraduate years creates opportunities for numerous
interventions and supports during a student’s college career” (Lynch, 2018). By having access to Academic
Advisors early in their programs, students can personalize their educational experience immediately. In return,
Academic advisors can lead students through course selection and through supports that best target their
intended career pathway. Advisors can also help students engage in their university experience by highlighting
relevant events, activities, clubs, field studies, local projects, or scholarship/grant opportunities that appeal to
each student’s passions and goals. This engages students in their selected programs, work placements, and
extra school-based activities or clubs, which creates higher levels of success both in students’ studies and
future careers (Lynch, 2018).
Contact me!
A student’s university learning experience should be more than just about the learning, it is about the people,
the experiences, and the friends they make while you are attending! Let us help connect your student! For
more information on the Academic Advising Centre and available services, please contact me:
Javier.Juarez@ufv.ca or email the Advising Centre directly at advising@ufv.ca. Advising staff are also available
by calling the Advising Centre at 604-864-4674 (1-888-504-7441, ext. 4674, toll-free for Canada). Our hours are
M-F 9-5pm.
I am excited to meet everyone and look forward to working alongside you all in educating and supporting our
next generation leaders! Reach out anytime for more information or to refer a student! Have a great
semester!
References
Joseph Lynch, T. L. (2018). Integrating Academic and Career Advising. NEW DIRECTIONS FOR HIGHER
EDUCATION, 71-72. Retrieved from https://eds-b-ebscohostcom.proxy.ufv.ca:2443/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=2&sid=b0dfd136-bda8-4653-9527f0a982f04308%40sessionmgr4008
University of the Fraser Valley. (n.d.). UFV: Advising Centre. Retrieved from University of the Fraser Valley
Official Web Site: https://www.ufv.ca/advising/
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