By Candace Beaty Gwaltney
As a constant advocate and supporter for forensic science students, Amy Maidi is a force for student success within the School of Science. In recognition of her achievements and dedication, Maidi has been promoted to senior academic advisor. Maidi has served as an academic advisor for the Forensic and Investigative Sciences program since 2012.
This position was awarded to her after review by the IUPUI Academic Advisor Development Program (AADP), a program devoted to maintaining and improving academic advising standards through education, training, and commitment to students.
Maidi shared her driving purpose and philosophy behind her advising work: “Advising causes students to stretch—once stretched, the student should be able to go a little further, recover a little faster, and see a bit more of the wonder and strength within themselves.”
Maidi’s success is evident in student outcomes. She creates four-year plans for every student she advises—and she advises more than 200 students each year. In the 2017-2018 academic year, her students are also graduating with impressive credentials with 83% graduating with a double major and 96% with a double major or minor. In the same year, Maidi’s first-time, full-time graduates also complete their degrees in four years at a 78% rate, and 100% complete their degrees within five years.
Amy Maidi in her advising office. Next to her is her Senior Academic Advisor award. (Photo credit: Dustin Ryder)
Maidi revels in the power advising can have to push student to achieve their dreams. She notes all students have a moment in academia when they hit rock bottom or feel something is unattainable—whether it’s that tough calculus class or balancing the workload.
“When we push through those barriers it opens up new doors,” she said.
Alumna Hannah Bond, who Maidi advised for four years, notes the impact Maidi had on her undergraduate years and beyond. Bond now works as a forensic technician for the Indiana State Police Laboratory.
“During my time as a student, I struggled at the beginning of balancing my education and life outside of school. I relied heavily on Mrs. Maidi’s guidance to help me learn how to balance everything, and as a result my grades steadily improved,” Bond said. “She was always available to help, even if I did not schedule an appointment with her and abruptly stopped by her office.”
In addition to her role as an advisor, Maidi teaches first-year seminars and the senior capstone class—allowing her to see the exponential grow that happens during the students’ time at IUPUI.
“The amazing thing about advising is that you get the chance to witness people making these enormous changes and a lot of times they don’t even realize it,” she said.
Maidi’s commitment to student growth and development was honored earlier this academic year when she was named the Jaguar Academic Advising Association (JACADA) Advisor of the Year. She is now the campus nominee for the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) award.