By Andy Carrizales and Clay Gibson

Eastfield advisers invaded the Pit on Monday, serving popcorn, blaring music and urging students to spin the prize wheel.
At one point a group linedanced to Pharrell Williams’ catchy hit “Happy.” That was fine with coordinators. They wanted students’ attention, not an academic vibe.
The event kicked off Advising Week, a new initiative by the Academic Advising Office to attract students. Events continue today through Friday.
Advisers seek to “bring awareness to the services we offer to get students to start thinking about the things they need to do to prepare for next semester,” adviser Amber Sellers said.
Throughout the week, students can meet with their advisers to learn about online registration, transferring, majors and planning course schedules.
“Ask an Adviser” tables will be set up around campus so advisers can catch students where they congregate.
“It can be hard for students to make it in to meet with an advisor due to scheduling, so we are attempting to make it easier,” adviser Laura Thomason said.
Other events include transfer and computer tech workshops. Events are prompting students to take a more active approach to their education.
“Students should meet with an adviser as often as they feel it’s needed,” Thomason said. “However, there should be a minimum of one time during a semester to make sure they are on track with their educational plan.”
When meeting with advisers, students should view their adviser reports, review their programs of study, plan schedules, research transfer guides and ask questions.
Some students say they appreciate their advisers, but find the process confusing.
“I go to my adviser when I have a problem, but they have to tell me to go back and print my advising report every time,” student J.B. Cochran said.
Others skip the process altogether.
“I don’t see my adviser,” Kyle Tibbs said. “Some of my friends say they don’t give out strong advice.”
With the class schedule for the 2015 spring semester about to come out, it is a great time for continuing students to review their academic goals and figure out what to do next. By having an adviser who is already familiar with a student’s program of study, the student will benefit more from this interaction.
“By developing a relationship with their adviser, the student can get a better understanding of the educational process,” Thomason said.