February 26, 2025
School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
Shaping Future City Leaders: How UCalgary’s Supportive Advising Prepares BDCI Students for Success
At UCalgary, you’re not just a student – you’re part of a community dedicated to your success. With programs like the Bachelor of Design in City Innovation (BDCI), you’ll experience personalized, proactive advising that supports your growth both academically and professionally. As highlighted in Sarah Ha’s award-winning advising practices, UCalgary’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL) focuses on building strong, supportive relationships with students from day one. Through tailored advising, early intervention, and a student-centered approach, UCalgary ensures that you’re equipped with the skills and support needed to thrive in a hands-on, studio-based learning environment. Here, you’ll develop critical problem-solving abilities while gaining real-world experience that prepares you to make an impact on the cities of tomorrow.
Sarah Ha is dedicated to proactive advising, a student-centred approach that focuses on early intervention to support student success. Photo by: Maximillian Krewiak
Sarah Ha, an undergraduate program specialist in SAPL, was recently honored with the Region 8 Excellence in Advising Award from NACADA, the National Academic Advising Association. The award highlights her proactive, student-centered approach, supporting student success through early intervention and tailored advising practices.
Ha has worked at UCalgary since 2012 and with SAPL since 2022, focusing on creating innovative advising processes for the new BDCI program. Her work emphasizes design thinking and personalized support to ensure students thrive in a design school environment. Ha’s advising approach encourages trust-building, self-advocacy, and problem-solving skills that empower students for long-term success.
Ha’s proactive efforts include weekly check-ins with students, fostering connections that allow for early identification of challenges, like overlapping deadlines. Her approach has resulted in improved coordination between instructors, benefiting students’ academic experiences.
Her work is widely praised. “Sarah is a key part of the BDCI students’ experience,” says second-year student Julia. Professors also commend Ha for her impact on student success. “She is a leader and key support structure in our school,” says Assistant Professor Chad Connery.
Ha’s dedication to personalized advising was also recognized through a UCalgary Teaching and Learning Grant from the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning, further enhancing the BDCI program’s student experience.
Sarah Ha speaking with students during her weekly check-ins. Photo by: Maximillian Krewiak
As a future UCalgary student, you’ll experience advising that focuses on your growth, development, and success right from day one. Explore the BDCI program and see how UCalgary’s student-focused approach will help you excel. Learn more about the program here, and read the original article here to learn more about the 2024 NACADA Region 8 Student Advising Award.
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