A Passion for Solving Student Challenges: Sean Kramer-Lazar, Senior Academic Advisor

Nine Questions with CAPLA Senior Academic Advisor Sean Kramer Lazar

 
"Part of my role as an advisor is to help students figure out the best way to overcome challenges and follow their passions."
 

Sean Kramer-Lazar joined CAPLA in 2016, and now serves as a senior academic advisor, providing support for main campus undergraduate students entering the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Built Environments and Bachelor of Landscape Architecture programs. He also advises all students in the online BS SBE program. He holds a BS in Sociology and MA in Higher Education and is currently pursuing his PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy.

What brought you to CAPLA, and where did you work before joining the college?

The job. I worked for the Office of International Admissions at UArizona prior to coming to CAPLA. I loved working with prospective students; however, I missed being a part of the growth and development of students and seeing them graduate. That is why I decided to become an advisor and have not regretted the decision.

Tell us about your current work.

My primary role is to help students graduate from the university and from CAPLA. However, we all know that things don’t always go as planned, so part of my role is to also help students figure out the best way to overcome challenges and follow their passions to the best of my ability.

What do you find most rewarding about being an academic advisor?

Honestly, the students. CAPLA attracts students who are passionate about making a difference in the world, whether through design, innovation or policy updates. They truly manifest the ideals of “building a changing world.”

What do you find most challenging about your job, and how have you overcome that challenge?

As with any role in any organization, there is bureaucracy that can hinder work that I am doing or that impacts students. When it affects students, I become hypervigilant on making sure we can minimize the effects to the best of our ability.

Can you share a favorite story about working with students at CAPLA?

While I cannot share details, what I find most gratifying and memorable is witnessing a student who has struggled through their college career, due to any number of factors, finally have the opportunity to graduate, walk across the stage and earn their hard-earned diploma. These are moments that I know the work that I do has made an impact.

Tell us about your pursuit of a doctoral degree.

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I am currently pursuing my PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy. This has been a goal of mine for a while and the timing just felt right. Obtaining my PhD will enable me to work towards higher leadership positions within university systems, looking at how I can more broadly impact the experience students have throughout their education at an institution.

Beyond your job, what are your passions?

In the limited free time I have, I enjoy going to the movies, finding new places to eat around town, gaming and traveling. I had the privilege of traveling around Europe for an entire month last summer and it was the trip of a lifetime. I definitely plan to travel more.

What is your advice for students to find success at CAPLA and UArizona?

As I primarily work with students, I have a lot to share, but the top three that come to mind are:

1. Time management cannot be underestimated! All of our programs are demanding and rigorous. Learning to manage your time early in the semester will help to ensure you do not forget things, do not pull all-nighters, and that the work you turn in is of the quality and standards you feel represent your true abilities.
2. Ask for help early! If something is unclear, ask for clarification. Do not make assumptions, whether that be for assignments or related to registration. If you don’t know who to talk to or how to navigate a situation, ask your advisor! We are a wealth of information and are more that happy to refer or direct you to experts if we are not the right people for the task or need. We encourage students to think of their advisors as the first point of contact when issues or challenges arise.
3. Get involved! There are so many ways for students to be engaged within the college and across the campus and wider Tucson community. Involvement can take many different forms, and if you have questions about where to look, ask your advisor. While your studies should always come first, being involved is part of the college experience. Those students who are able to prioritize, manage their time effectively and avoid procrastination will find the time to be involved.

What does the CAPLA experience mean for you?

The CAPLA experience for me is one of passion. Every person working for this college and every student who joins our programs are passionate about what we do and who we serve. This passion is what makes working with and for this college such a great experience.

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