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Show , Spring 2005 page 15 The Legacy Bridge at night. Screaming at professors in front of everyone isn't going to help. We only have had one case where the student had gone through the entire process and still needed our help." The student advocate office stresses that the Dean's office is also a great resource for both students and teachers. Final thoughts from the student advocates: Harpending and Serpico: "The administrators at this University are extraordinary wonderful people." Serpico: "We want to be a facilitator." Harpending: "We can direct students to the best avenue they can take. If they come to the advocate first, we will tell the student to go to the teacher and direct them down the right path." Serpico: "We are facilitators that bring concerns to the dean of students and let them make the call. A student who understands the process of the school can completely bypass us." Serpico: "Remember, it might seem dire at the time -just take a step back." This office is important because it bridges the gap between teachers and students. It prevents bad situations from getting worse. It is an important neutral zone for students and faculty. In addition to listening to complaints, these advocates point students in the right direction.The Student Advocate Office is valuable because it is a place for students to turn to when they feel like they have nowhere else to go. Also, this office is valuable to faculty, because it puts their students on the right track to deal with certain situations. Generally, students and faculty don't need the student advocate office if they follow the procedures. But when these procedures don't work, the student advocates can then step in and help make the learning environment better at the university by facilitating problems. Making this office known will help students work toward graduation and keep illegitimate claims out of the faculty's way. The office is a fantastic service that is a helpful tool to all at the University of Utah. |