Michelle Lowton, (left), chats with students Kelsie Balehowsky and Jenna Gall.
Goal is to engage and connect students to UBC and the community
Michelle Lowton has been appointed director of Student Development and Advising.
“I am very pleased that Michelle has accepted this challenging position,” says Ian Cull, Associate Vice-President Students, in making the announcement. “Michelle is a key member of our leadership team. She has taken on significantly increasing responsibilities since joining us in 2006. Michelle has made a significant impact on the Student Experience on our campus since her arrival.
Michelle started with UBC as an academic advisor. She later took on the role of senior academic advisor and as associate director of Student Development and Advising, which led the creation of the Advising and Involvement Centre.
Student success is the driving force behind Student Development and Advising, says Lowton.
“We want students to feel engaged and connected to UBC, as well as to our community because we know that the more a student feels a sense of belonging and connection the more likely they are to succeed,” says Lowton. “As well, we know that students need support throughout a variety of transitions, so we are focused on offering quality programs that are built on outcomes that are proven to make their transition successful.”
For example, this year saw the launch of the First Year Peer Advising program, dedicated to providing academic and transition support to all students that are new to UBC’s Okanagan campus in September. The program runs from May 5 to September 5 and is delivered by three senior students, who connect with every single first year student.
The goal is for incoming students to feel well-informed about their new program, the campus, and the variety of involvement opportunities that will enhance their learning. Peer advisors mentor from their own experience and it is very powerful for new students to speak with another student that has had a successful and fulfilling experience at UBC.
Prior to joining UBC, Lowton worked for the Ministry of Children and Family Development, and holds bachelor of social work and master of social work degrees.
