College of Science advisor nominated for national award

By Bethany Lenhardt, Undergraduate Education intern

Sarah Bechtel, an associate director of undergraduate advising and academic initiatives, was nominated this summer for the Outstanding First-Year Advocate award from a national academic organization at the University of South Carolina.

“Sarah’s had a big impact on her students by implementing a FYE course in the College of Sciences that not only addresses their transition to their major but the university and campus as a whole,” said Kendria Mason, coordinator for First-Year Experiences. “Her biggest accomplishment, both as an advisor and in the classroom, is helping her students find community through her to peer educator program.”

The award is given out each year by the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition at the University of South Carolina and is a partnership with Penguin Random House Publishing.

Bechtel was nominated by Mason for her work developing ISC 1004, a FYE course for the students enrolled in the Integrated Science Curriculum. The class, which Bechtel was asked to take over in December 2021, was an opportunity to rethink and expand the course.

"I’ve completely revamped the whole class,” said Bechtel. “It used to be one credit and one day a week and now it’s two credits and two days a week.”

The new curriculum also took advantage of two key elements: peer mentors and digital badges.

Peer Mentors

In a previous role at the university, Bechtel had developed an ambassador program in the School of Neuroscience and found it was instrumental in helping students navigate early college. For this course, she wanted to increase their role in the reconsidered curriculum.

Bechtel developed the idea with Vivek Shastry, an advisor who teaches COS 1004, a FYE course for students exploring majors in the college of science. The role of peer mentors would start early in the semester, leading the second class to work on community-building, leadership, and instructional skills.

Each month, they planned events such as tailgating, study sessions, and community-building exercises. In the spring, they’ll be responsible for interviewing and hiring the next cohort of mentors.

Amid her third semester of teaching this course, Bechtel has found success in encouraging students to connect with their mentors and each other.

“I had a student come up to me in class and ask if it was alright if their peer mentor could tutor them,” said Bechtel. “The fact that he felt that I was approachable enough to ask me that question, I was like, ‘Yes! Go for it.’”

Digital Badges

Another unique part of Bechtel’s course is her use of digital badges for completed assignments that align with the five competencies of an FYE course.

For example, students can earn digital badges for professional competency, well-being, or academic integrity. This accomplishment-based system comes with real prizes such as Virginia Tech-branded clear bags, head lamps, and beanies.

“It’s all integrated through Canvas, so as long as they submit the assignments on time, they should earn the badges,” said Bechtel. “Making sure that we’re hitting all five competencies – the guiding principles that make up an FYE class – that's the whole goal.”

Bechtel hopes that her students feel confident to explore college knowing that they have a community and plenty of resources to support their journey. She also plans to present her peer mentor program at an annual First-Year Experience conference in February 2025.

“My favorite moment is when they have the ‘aha’ moment, where the lightbulb goes off,” said Bechtel. “My perspective is that as long they’re able to learn and take what they know to share with others, that’s a great impact. That makes the world a better place.”