Parsons Students Get New Advisor

New York, NY—Parsons The New School For Design Photo students will face an easier time scheduling appointments with their advisors upon the recent hiring of the newest Photo advisor for the Art, Media, and Technology department, replacing former senior advisor Rudy Shepherd. The advisor has not yet been revealed and will be formally announced sometime next week.
Shepherd, who roughly advised a hundred students before his departure, left the position in late July after two years with Parsons for a teaching position at Penn State. Since his departure advisors from other departments have taken over advising his students.
“Naturally, your workload increases after an advisor advising a hundred student leaves,” said Jennifer Huh, Assistant Director of Advising for AMT. “It’s difficult for a student to make the transition into a temporary advising situation.” Huh, and other advisors from AMT and School of Constructed Environments have split up advising Shepherd’s former students describing it as a “challenging time”. Huh has said she is trying to maintaining a good attitude, and trying to work more with program directors to help create solidarity.
Students, however, have faced confusion scheduling appointments. “Yeah it’s difficult, Rudy was my advisor,” said Caitlin a BAFA dual-degree student with Eugene Lang and Parsons. “I sent an email to another advisor, but after tying to coordinate times he just didn’t get back to me, I’ve been using my handbook to make my schedule.” When asked if she has seen a Parson’s advisor this fall semester she replied, “Lang, yes. Parsons, no.”
Joe Hosking, Director of Advising, has noted the search for a new advisor has been competitive, receiving hundreds of applications for the position. Minimum requirements for the job include experience in higher education, and a masters in a related field. “Versatility is important,” to be able to contribute to other parts of the school. Advising positions usually require six weeks on average to be filled, going through a rigorous process of selection first handled by Human Resources before being eligible for two more interviews conducted by different committees comprised of the heads of the Advising departments. Academic advising positions usually require six weeks on average to be filled. Shepherd’s position has been roughly open for two months.
Hosking, who was on the first hiring committee, is very happy and satisfied with the hire, and is projected to begin training in early October. The job posting has been since taken down, only showing a posting for the Fashion department currently seeking to fill two open advising positions.