In her role as Associate Director of Student Services, Minh Vo works to ensure success for students throughout the department’s various graduate degree programs.
“I believe the measure of student success is how well students are prepared to accomplish their current and future academic, personal, and professional goals. We achieve this together through development of knowledge and a sense of responsibility and self-reliance, and connections to the department and the wider university community.”
What do you like best about advising graduate students?
Working with students! I’m an innate advocate for those needing help, and students can sometimes be a part of that population. They may not be familiar with university policy or resources and there can be some fear or uncertainty around what they can request. This is where I can step in and advocate for them, whether it’s with the registrar, faculty, or other departments. I love helping where I can and being an advisor/advocate is the best part of my role.
What is your advising philosophy?
I believe that academic advising is an intentional guidance process, where students are valued and empowered to engage fully in their personal, academic and professional success. I also believe that students are personally responsible for their educational development and career attainment and will rise to meet clear expectations.
I try to understand the stories and personal perspectives of students, their diverse perspectives and experiences and allow the students to be authentically themselves. I work to meet each student where they are and try to create a safe space that respects the dignity of each individual student I advise.
Our students trust and expect that I will be knowledgeable of academic policies, university resources, and various developmental opportunities that may help them achieve their academic and personal goals. I don’t take that responsibility lightly, so I make sure I am as up to date as I can be in these areas.
What inspires you about the students in our program?
Our students look out for one another. They believe in equitable practices and work to advocate for themselves and other students in the department.
What is a typical day like for you?
I’m not sure I have a typical day. Every day, every quarter brings a new focus and additional programming needs. I have several administrative duties, but am always trying to plan and develop events/resources that are informative/useful for student success. I feel like I’m always getting ready for the next thing, whether it’s soliciting for capstone projects, reviewing resumes, recruiting mentors, or conducting professional development workshops.
What are you most proud of during your time in the department?
In my short time with the Department of Biostatistics, I’ve helped to create a very successful MS Capstone Program that includes professional mentors for students, career panel discussions, professional development workshops and a growing network of community partners who sponsor our capstone projects.
What are some common tips or advice you give new students?
- Take advantage of all the opportunities afforded to you while you are in your degree program!
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- You are your best advocate.
What is a fun fact about you that those you work with may not know.
I know I am late to the game, since the members have disbanded, but I’ve recently become a HUGE fan of the K-pop band BTS. Band members RM, Jin, Jimin, V,Jungkook, j-hope and SUGA — I think they are all very endearing!
Interview
Watch a short video featuring Associate Director of Student Services Minh Vo highlighting what's unique about UW's program and the level of support you receive as a student.
Published: January 17, 2023