GEO welcomes Amber Bennett Hill, Ph.d., senior academic advisor for international students
As GEO's first senior academic advisor for international students, Amber Bennett Hill, Ph.D., offers something as unique as the students who enter her office--cookies, candy, and a comfortable couch.
As a former VCU professor of archaeology and anthropology, she looks forward to filling a need at the university.
"International students have unique needs and situations," she said. "I'm here to make sure their needs are taken into consideration so that they can learn."
Hill said she is excited about developing online resources that will make it easier for students and faculty to get the information they need, and for students to be prepared for academic success before they arrive on campus.
Her position is rare; VCU has one of very few international programs to offer academic advising specifically for international students, she said.
Students come to her with broad academic concerns, trouble with coursework, and questions about how American classrooms work.
“I can guide them to which classes are best suited for them,” she said. “I’m an intermediary to faculty for them.”
Since she has been in the job, she has developed an academic tutoring program made up of graduate students helping international students to write papers, prepare for exams, and understand lectures. She plans to assist international students to achieve their academic goals through one-on-one meetings , GEO programs, strategic referrals to VCU resources, and educating the campus about the specific needs of international students.
“I’m excited about the number of students I’ve been meeting,” said Hill. “This position was one I couldn’t turn down. I never know what language they are going to speak and what needs they are going to have.”
Hill’s office is located in room 221P in the Global Education Office at 817 W. Franklin Street.
To schedule an appointment for advising or to learn more, email Amber Bennett Hill at abennett@vcu.edu or click here for more information.
