Student Advising Center Game picks up honors

Bob Goltra, Kathy Owens, Barbara Bleeker, and Dr. Gerrit Bleeker show off the award their Student Advising Center Game (projected in the background) received.

If Emporia State University students seem better prepared for the rigors of college life, the antics of six cartoon characters might be responsible. The Student Advising Center Game combines animation and information to give incoming ESU freshmen a solid start on their college careers.

ESU’s Student Advising Center (SAC) produced the compact disc-based game that combines enrollment information, study tips and hints about campus life. The concept has earned the team recognition from the National Academic Advising Association, which awarded it a 2007 Outstanding Advising Technology Innovation Certification of Merit.

“The real idea was to find a way to inform and remind new students shortly before they arrive on campus in the fall of some of the things they should be sure to have done, or to get done,” said Robert Goltra, director of ESU’s Student Advising Center. The CD is mailed to all incoming freshmen in July, shortly before they arrive on the ESU campus to start fall classes.

While Emporia State in the past would have delivered that information in a variety of letters and brochures to new students, Goltra says the CD provides the same material in an entertaining, interactive format. “A greater percentage of entering students might rather look at this than read one of the numerous pieces of mail they would otherwise receive,” he said.

The game guides students through a series of situations ranging from financial assistance applications to setting appointments with advisors. Text for the game was written by Goltra; Barbara Bleeker, an ESU elementary teacher education instructor and SAC advisor; Dr. Gerrit Bleeker, associate dean of ESU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; and Kathy Owens, SAC administrative specialist. Nate Creed, an ESU student, handled the graphic design and animation. Ali Nashatizadeh composed the music that plays during the game. Voices of the animated characters are provided by ESU students Brett Cox, Drew Donahoo, Caleb Goellner, Dustin Stucky, and Creed.

Along with information and suggestions about starting their college career, students can see some of the Emporia State buildings where they’ll be taking classes, notes Barbara Bleeker. “We’re excited about the fact that the game shows all the campus buildings, so the students have a chance to see some of the sights on campus before they arrive,” Bleeker said.

The game also includes links to ESU’s catalog and other resources.

For more information about the game, contact ESU’s Student Advising Center at 620-341-5421.

Last Updated February 4, 2008>