Bison Spotlight – Jill Lodde Greives, Academic Advisor

With students back on campus and Welcome Week in full swing, the 2026-27 academic year is now underway at NDSU. This exciting time can come with a lot of questions for both new and returning students, and among the university’s primary resources for answering their questions are academic advisors in the Career and Advising Center.

This edition of Bison Spotlight is in question-and-answer format with academic advisor Jill Lodde Greives, who serves first- and second-year students in the College of Arts and Sciences’ biological sciences department. She also supports pre-health students, who are preparing for graduate-level professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, physician assistant and many others.

What does an academic advisor do?

Lodde Greives: “We make sure our students are staying on track for their graduation timeline, as far as completing their major requirements, and provide them with resources that can help support their academic journeys. In working with pre-health students, I also talk to them about making sure to incorporate the appropriate level of science and other prerequisite courses needed to prepare for their specific discipline’s admissions test.”

What does an academic advisor not do?

Lodde Greives: “A big way that collegiate advisors vary from high school counselors is that we aren’t the ones who make the changes to a student’s semester schedule. Those changes are in the student’s hands. We help them understand how to adjust their schedule and talk to them about what classes they should incorporate to stay on track for graduation.”

What resources are available that students may not know about?

Lodde Greives: “There are lots of resources available for students to utilize. I always encourage students to make a habit of using ACE Tutoring Services — not just if they're struggling but for additional support and sometimes a different point of view to help understand concepts better. Other resources are out there, such as learning assistants in large-enrollment courses; the Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources; and even the Wellness Center for helping students find a good balance outside of the classroom.”

How often should a student meet with their advisor?

Lodde Greives: “I’d say at least once a semester to talk about the upcoming semester’s classes. We’re happy to meet with students at any time, though, and not just to talk about what classes they should be taking. It’s easy for them to get on our schedules using Bison Advise, which is another great resource that’s available.”

What should a student do if they’re considering changing majors?

Lodde Greives: “If you are interested in changing your major, you should speak with an advisor for your new major. The advisor can go over the requirements for your new major, discuss how current or previous courses satisfy requirements, adjust your schedule depending on the time of the semester and then submit the form to have your major officially changed. If you’re not sure who your new advisor is, please let your current advisor know, and we can assist you. We don’t take it personally if you are leaving a major we advise for — we’re happy to help you make that connection.”

What should a student do if they’re behind on credits?

Lodde Greives: “It’s important to talk with your advisor as soon as you can. Each student’s situation is unique, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your advisor is there to help you come up with a plan.”

Can a student get their academic advising from AI?

Lodde Greives: “I would not recommend relying on AI in place of your advisor. Many of the situations we help students navigate, whether it be academic planning or personal challenges, may not have a simple answer. By listening to you and discussing the situation, we can help you talk through options so you can make an informed decision. There is a lot to navigate as a college student, and advisors are here to help with your journey.”

What can a student do to make 2026-27 their best school year so far?

Lodde Greives: “I would say to be open to new opportunities while still going to class and taking time for your studies. Finding a balance of dedicating yourself to do well in class — what you’re here for — while also enjoying your college experience can go a long way toward making it your best year.”

In recognition of her efforts as an advisor, Lodde Greives earned the Outstanding Professional Advisor Award for the 2025-26 school year. She will be recognized for this honor at next month’s Celebration of Excellence ceremony.

“Even being nominated for the award was surprising and humbling,” said Lodde Greives, who has been an advisor at NDSU since 2013. “Students already have a lot on their plates, so for them to take the time to nominate me — and then to actually win — I’ll just say that it feels very nice to know that what I’m doing is being appreciated.”

To schedule a meeting with your advisor, set up a time with the Career and Advising Center’s advisor website. If you don’t know who your advisor is, use these instructions from OneStop to find that information in Campus Connection.

NDSU Marketing and Communications
Source: Jill Lodde Greives
Writer: Paul Teeple
Photo: Lindsay Arbach/NDSU