“The LA model takes power from the podium in the front of the room and redistributes it back among students.” Learning Assistants also complete a pedagogy course to better understand how students learn. As Quick noted, STEM learning can be a vulnerable process for students who feel pressure to always have the right answer. Beyond instructional support, LAs help students envision themselves as capable scientists. Advisors make a difference The College of Science also has a strong advising network that supports student success. According to Associate Director of Health Professions Advising Maureen Leong-Kee, Oregon State’s prehealth advising program is known for its strong structure and student support, helping many students gain admission to medical school. On average, 70% of OSU applicants who work with its pre-health advising committee were admitted to medical school, compared with less than 40% nationally. Prehealth advisors support students at every step of the journey, from first-year orientation to graduation and beyond. No matter the major, every Oregon State student with an interest in medical, dentistry, pharmacy and other health graduate programs can seek guidance from a pre-health advisor. Samantha LeFore, a 2026 BioHealth Sciences graduate, said the advising system was crucial on her path to medicine. “It’s a lot at first, but as I’ve kind of broken it down and been able to use the resources at Oregon State, it’s been super helpful,” she said. “We have great advisors here, like Maureen Leong-Kee. She has a pre-med Canvas page that lays out the entire application process and walks you through it.” Non-pre-health science students also benefit from personalized advising. Eric Cole, student head advisor, is a quintessential example of a College of Science advisor. He received the Olaf Boedtker Award for Excellence in Academic Advising in 2025. Students celebrated Cole for his exceptional level of empathy and consistency in his advising. One student wrote, “Everyone needs someone like Eric.” Learning assistants’ one-on-one interactions expand the reach of a course’s teaching team and provide special insights only a peer can offer. When LAs see students struggling, they can inform the team — who then provide extra support where needed. “The LA model takes power from the podium and redistributes it back among students.” IMPACT FALL 2026 9
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==