College life can be overwhelming, but in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS), students don’t have to navigate it alone.
The MCHHS Student Success and Advisement Center, located on the first floor of Ann Kampeter Health Sciences Hall, offers guidance and support at every step.
The center is staffed by a director and seven academic advisors who support students across various disciplines in MCHHS.
Among the advisors are Sharon Harter and Sara Bajalan. They help students navigate their academic journeys.
No more guesswork
For students, thinking about choosing or changing a major, planning their course schedule and wondering if graduate school is the right move are a lot to figure out. Harter and Bajalan make the process easier.
“Advising isn’t just about picking classes — it’s about empowering students to make informed decisions about their future,” Harter said.
Advisors work one-on-one with students to create personalized plans, making sure they stay on track and feel confident about their choices.
Beyond course selection, advisors connect students with tutoring, career counseling and campus resources. They also provide guidance on academic strategies and workload management, ensuring students have the support they need to succeed.
More about the advisors
Harter and Bajalan are both new to their current roles at the MCHHS Student Success and Advisement Center, but they are not new to Missouri State University.
An MSU alumna, Harter graduated with bachelor’s degree in marketing in 2006 and joined the university in 2015. She has worked at the center for the past five years as the administrative assistant before being promoted to academic advisor in November 2024.
Bajalan joined MSU in 2017, starting out as an academic advisor in the history department. She transitioned to the center this January.
She holds a bachelor’s in history and political science from the University of West Florida and a Master of Philosophy in Modern Middle Eastern Studies from Oxford University.
“The most rewarding part of advising is seeing students gain confidence in their choices and shape their own path,” Harter said.
She values the opportunity to support students in discovering their strengths and achieving their academic goals.
Flexible advising
Students are busy and advisors get that. That’s why they offer multiple ways to connect. Students can meet in person, over Zoom or via phone — whatever works for them.
“If you don’t see a time that fits your schedule, just reach out. We’ll figure something out,” Bajalan said.
The duo encourages students to take advantage of available resources, ask questions and accept help to find success.
Make the most of an advising session
To ensure students maximize their advising appointments, Bajalan shares six key tips:
- Know your registration date so you can plan ahead.
- Schedule an appointment early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Review your degree audit to understand your course requirements.
- Come prepared with a list of potential classes based on your degree path.
- Explore minors and certificates that align with your interests.
- Stay connected after your session — advisors are there to support you beyond the appointment.
“Advising works best when students take an active role in their planning,” Bajalan said.