That’s why all students at the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) take STHM 1001: First-Year Seminar,a semester-long course thoughtfully designed to support your personal, academic and professional development as you begin your journey at Temple University.
Taught by STHM’s academic advising team, this weekly seminar creates a space for self-reflection, goal setting and meaningful conversations with staff and peers who are here to help you succeed. It’s where you’ll start building your community, clarifying your purpose and developing the skills and mindset that will carry you through your time as a student and beyond.
We spoke with Jennifer Valore, senior academic advisor at STHM, who shared four key tips for making the most of STHM’s personalized, hands-on approach to academic advising and student success.
Tip #1: Connect Early and Often
It’s never too early to reach out to your academic advisor—and doing so can make a big difference in your college experience.
Valore encourages students to connect well before busy advising periods like the first two weeks of the semester or priority registration.
“Come see us when we truly have the time to help you map out a meaningful academic plan,” she says. “Reaching out early allows for deeper conversations, thoughtful planning, and a stronger connection to your goals.”
By making time for advising outside of peak periods, students can work with advisors to develop an in-depth academic plan. An academic plan can help students maximize their use of Temple’s resources by taking the proper classes at the right times to reach their academic and professional goals.
Tip #2: Advising Is Your Starting Line
Have a question? Start with your advising team!
“There’s no such thing as the wrong question in advising,” says Valore. “We’re here to help with anything—and if we don’t have the answer, we’ll connect you with someone who does.”
Whether you’re unsure about a class, thinking about switching majors, or just need guidance, advising is your go-to starting point. Advisors are trained to help you navigate Temple and make sense of your options—academically, personally and professionally.
Valore also recommends connecting with STHM’s Center for Industry Engagement (CIE), especially when exploring career goals. Similar to advising, CIE helps students align their interests with the right experiences, specifically when it comes to internships and industry experiences.
Tip #3: Come Prepared, Leave Empowered
Advising is a two-way conversation—and the more prepared you are, the more you’ll get out of it.
Valore encourages students to come to advising meetings with a basic understanding of their major requirements (found in the Bulletin) and a willingness to learn.
“The Bulletin has everything you need to know, but it can be overwhelming—that’s where we come in,” she says.
She also recommends reviewing your Degree Audit Report System (DARS) before your meeting. DARS gives you a snapshot of what you’ve completed, what is still required, and what will be your best path forward . If you’re not sure how to interpret it, your advisor can walk you through it. In fact, you’ll get to know DARS as part of the STHM 1001: First-Year Seminar—so you’ll start off confident and informed.
Tip #4: Treat STHM 1001 as more than just a class—it’s your launchpad.
The more you put into the course, the more you’ll get out of it. Come ready to reflect, participate and connect. It’s your chance to build relationships, discover campus resources, connect with STHM and start shaping your journey at Temple and beyond!
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STHM Advising is located in the Center for Student Success, Speakman Hall 108/109. Regular business hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
