FIYou: Adrienne Yuen


Adrienne Yuen, Academic Advisor in the College of Arts in Sciences

Adrienne Yuen, Academic Advisor in the College of Arts & Sciences

Name: Adrienne Yuen

Hometown: Miami, Fl

Job Title/Department: Academic Advisor in the College of Arts & Sciences, Department of Psychology

Campus: MMC

In a nutshell: I help students develop plans to reach their academic and career goals. Advisors wear many hats and in one appointment we can go from redirecting a student to a new major, to giving a gentle reminder about self-care and balance, to developing an academic plan for low GPA, to doing a happy dance for passing a test.

We tailor to the student and their strengths and weaknesses. I always find something worth celebrating for each student. For example, a “C” in a class for a student who failed it the previous term, or a student who joins a club to get out of their comfort zone, or a student who gets an internship and finds their calling.

In addition, I work with the Graduation Success Initiative to help students reach graduation in a timely manner and collaborate with faculty to provide students campus resources when they are struggling in a course.

Number of years at FIU: 1 year

What do you enjoy most about your job?: The relationships I get to develop with my students. College is such a confusing time and most are questioning themselves and discovering who they are and what they value. It is exciting when all the pieces start to come together for a student.

What do you think students and your fellow faculty/staff should know about your department?: The psychology advisors are always trying to find creative ways to connect to students. This year, we filmed our psychology conference for our online student population who cannot make it to campus. If you have an idea, we are open for suggestions because being a large department we want to stretch our advising reach to as many students as possible.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?: I always end up sitting in the breezeway between the Graham Center and the Green Library. I like the energy of all the students rushing place to place, the rollerblade guy is always zooming by, and its proximity to Starbucks.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU?: The amount of innovative research that is going on here! Growing up in Miami, I always knew about FIU, but I never knew how far ahead FIU is compared to many other state schools.

How is FIU “Worlds Ahead”?: I just came back from the National Academic Advising Association’s (NACADA) annual conference in Las Vegas and quickly realized FIU’s advising model is Worlds Ahead. FIU employs many professional advisors and provides them professional development opportunities. In addition, our advisor system and the technology we incorporate to help make our advising practice more intentional.

Family snapshot: My mother passed away when I was 14, but I grew up with a traditional family with a mom, dad, and little brother. I am married and have two dogs.

Word that best describes you: Persistent (my husband says stubborn)

First paying job: Old Navy

Favorite TV show: Limitless” and “Big Bang Theory”

Your proudest accomplishment: Being awarded the “New Advisor of the Year” award by my peers at FIU and graduating with my master’s degree in education and specialist degree in school counseling K-12.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU? I spend time with my 3-year-old cousin playing with his assortment of trucks and tractors. My husband and I also enjoy bike riding and spending time with our friends.