Students in the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences may not always see the person behind academic policies and degree requirements, but many have likely benefited from her work. Megan Blanchette, director of student records, helps students navigate challenges, map out pathways and ultimately cross the stage at Commencement.
“Officially, my title is director of student records,” Blanchette says. “But really, I think of it as helping students graduate. I meet with seniors, but I also support students who run into challenges along the way.”
Here in a Q&A, Blanchette talks about her approach to supporting students and faculty, why she chose Marquette, and what keeps her busy outside the office.
Marquette has been a part of your life in so many ways — as a student, alum, employee and even in your personal life. Can you share how your journey with Marquette began and what has kept you connected?
Marquette has been a huge part of my life for more than 20 years. I earned my bachelor’s degree and Master of Education here, my husband and I were married at Gesu, and I’ve now worked at Marquette for over eight years. As an undergraduate, I fell in love with the campus and community. After nine years teaching high school French, I felt called to return because Marquette’s mission speaks so deeply to my values. I’ve experienced the transformative nature of a Marquette education, and I love helping students experience that too. I still feel joy just walking across campus every day.
Explain what you do in your role as director of student records. Can you talk about some of the ways you work with students as they navigate challenges and milestones on their path to graduation?
Officially, my job title is director of student records in the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences. But really, I think of it as “helping students graduate.” I meet with seniors, but I also support students who run into challenges along the way. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is laying out multiple pathways for students, helping them understand the academic, financial and personal impacts of each, and guiding them as they decide what’s best for them.
At Marquette, the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences uses the phrase “the difference is in the and” to highlight the intersections that define us — whether that’s across disciplines, passions or approaches to working with others. We invite our community to name their own “and” statement” as a way of expressing what matters most to them. What’s your “and?”
My “and” is challenge and support. Students know I’ll support them, but college is also about growth. Sometimes that means challenging them to go beyond their comfort zone by attending a professor’s office hours, making an appointment at the Marquette Counseling Center or visiting the Ott Writing Center for help with a paper.
You work with students at many different points in their college journey — through all the ups and downs. Based on those experiences, what advice do you most want students to hear and take to heart?
First—check your email! If I’m reaching out, it’s important. Second, don’t struggle in silence. Reach out to your adviser, a faculty member or a staff member if you’re having difficulties. Marquette has so many resources, but we can’t help if we don’t know you need it.
Faculty often play a big role in noticing when a student may be struggling. From your perspective in the college office, what should faculty keep in mind when they’re concerned about a student, and how can they best partner with you to support student success?
If you have concerns about a student — poor performance, frequent absences and a sudden change in behavior — please reach out to the college office early. It’s much easier to troubleshoot in week five than week 15. We’d much rather you over-refer than under-refer.
When you step away from campus, what does life look like for you? What keeps you busy outside of work and helps you recharge? My two daughters, ages 10 and 12! My oldest competes in cheer and my youngest in dance, so most of my free time is spent driving them to practices and competitions. Outside of that, I love reading in my hammock and hiking with my family in Milwaukee-area parks.
