by Stacie Moser, CLAS
Monika Saladiak is the new academic advisor for the Department of Mathematics. She will also be assisting the Public Health advising team. Prior to joining Wayne State, Monika served as a counselor at Macomb Community College in the Special Services Department. I had a chance to chat with Monika recently to learn more about her background.
SM: Tell us a little bit about your educational background and how it relates to your current position.
MS: My master’s degree in counseling has been endlessly helpful. It has really helped me to become an effective listener because I am able to make students feel heard and validate their concerns. I can then use my empathy to help them understand that I care, and I'm here to help. It has also aided me in deescalating situations when students and parents are upset. Counseling allows me to look at students holistically because school can often be a smaller part of many responsibilities that a student might have. When students share their world with me, I can better advise them.
SM: Can you please tell us a little bit about your student affairs background before joining WSU?
MS: I was an intern at the Irvin D. Reid Honors College. I worked with students who were on probation, and I also assisted in course planning. After my internship, I was employed as a counselor at Macomb Community College in their Special Services Department. I assisted students with new student orientation, academic probation, career counseling, scheduling, and graduation. I also met with students with various disabilities, reviewed their documentation, and arranged appropriate accommodations.
SM: When you are not advising, what are some things you like to do for fun?
MS: I really enjoy listening to true crime and psychology-related podcasts, and I also enjoy suspense and autobiographical audiobooks. Traveling is also a lot of fun. I have been to Ireland and Greece. When I am traveling, I prefer to visit warm places, so I have also been to the Caribbean, Las Vegas, and Florida.
SM: Any interesting or fun facts about yourself that you would like to share?
MS: Every two years, I donate my hair to a place called Wigs for Kids in Saint Clair Shores. I was interested in donating to help a good cause and because my hair grows so fast! I am also an avid baker and love sweets. I bake cookies, cakes, brownies, banana bread, and cupcakes. I even assisted my friend in baking 200 cupcakes for a wedding!
We are so excited to have Monika join the CLAS advising team. Please welcome her to WSU!