Welcome to the School of Education and Human Services blog. Here you will find the latest news, important announcements, and upcoming events for our SOEHS community. If you have news you’d like to share, please email Kristine Nicolini (nicolink@uwosh.edu).  

News to Celebrate!

Alondra Sanchez, ‘16, ‘21 MSE, Earns UW–Oshkosh Outstanding Young Alumni Award 

Alondra Sanchez, a proud UW Oshkosh alumna and co-founder of Cultura Counseling LLC, has been named a 2025 Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient. Her journey from a struggling undergraduate to a thriving psychotherapist and entrepreneur is a testament to resilience, community, and purpose. A first-generation college student and daughter of Mexican immigrants, Sanchez overcame academic challenges with the support of mentors and found her calling in culturally sustaining mental health care. Today, she leads a bilingual practice in Menasha that serves underserved communities, particularly BIPOC and Spanish-speaking individuals, while also mentoring current UWO counseling students and advocating for youth mental health in the Appleton area. 

Sanchez’s impact extends beyond her clinical work. She is a board member of the NEW Mental Health Connection, a youth advocate in local schools, and a member of the Suicide Prevention Action Team. Her dedication to equity and healing is deeply rooted in her personal experiences and her commitment to uplifting others. As UW Oshkosh celebrates her achievements during Homecoming Weekend this October, Sanchez stands as a powerful example of how education, mentorship, and cultural identity can shape a meaningful career and inspire lasting change. 

To Every Teacher About to Begin Again…By Dr. Brad Johnson 

There’s something sacred about this time of year. 

The world doesn’t pause for it—but we do…all for the sake of what’s coming. And what’s coming isn’t just students—it’s opportunity. It’s impact. It’s legacy.  

And whether you feel ready or not, you’re about to become part of someone’s story again. 

It might not be obvious at first. The student who won’t look up. The one who sighs every time you speak. The one who walks in carrying a world you’ll never fully understand. But here’s the truth: your consistency will matter more than your content. Your tone will matter more than your title. And your presence will matter more than your perfection ever could.  

Every year, I remind teachers of this: You are not the system. You are the exception to it. 

You’re the one who turns test-takers into risk-takers. Who sees the student before the checklist. Who shows up—even when it feels like no one notices you do.  

And if this year feels heavy, don’t forget—some students are walking through your doors needing one person to believe in them. Just one. Not because you have all the answers, but because you looked them in the eye and said, “I see something in you.” And meant it. 

That’s the kind of teaching that outlasts standards. The kind that can’t be measured… but will never be forgotten. 

So, as you step into a new year, remember this: 

You don’t need to be perfect. Just present. 

You don’t need a magic lesson plan. Just a moment that makes a student feel seen. 

You don’t need to save the world. Just reach the one in front of you. 

Because that’s how the world changes anyway. 

Thank you—for everything you give to every student. The world doesn’t thank you nearly enough. But I see you. And I’m grateful. 

Let’s go make it count. 

Important Updates 

Annual Performance Review Timeline Update
We are realigning the annual performance review process to match the fiscal year cycle (July 1–June 30). The first evaluation under this new timeline will look slightly different, as it will use last year’s rating as a benchmark to reset the performance review timeline. Moving forward, employees will have the opportunity to set their own goals, and evaluations will be based on their job descriptions. 

To learn more about the updated process and how it applies to your employee category, please visit the Performance Management website. Be sure to click on the “Completing the First Evaluation in Workday” dropdown for detailed guidance. This resource will help ensure a smooth transition and provide clarity as we move into the new review cycle. Professional staff will begin receiving notifications in Workday to review their performance evaluation and add any goals for 2025-2026. Faculty will receive these notifications once the contract period begins. Please note, all evaluations need to be completed by October 31, 2025. Please reach out to Kristine Nicolini if you have any questions.   

Advising Process Changes
To align with updated Higher Learning Commission (HLC) requirements, the advising process will undergo key changes beginning this academic year. Students will now be assigned an advisor based on their specific program of study to ensure more targeted and effective support. Graduate students will be paired with faculty who teach 50% or more within graduate programs, while undergraduate students will be matched with faculty who teach at least 50% in the undergraduate program that corresponds with the student’s major. This approach is designed to enhance the quality and relevance of advising interactions, ensuring students receive guidance from faculty with deep knowledge of their academic paths. 

All advising interactions will be documented in Navigate to support consistency and accountability across the advising process. To prepare for these changes, all faculty and instructional academic staff with advisee responsibilities will attend the advisor training scheduled for September 10 from 3:00–5:00 PM in Sage 1232, with an online option available for remote participation. There will be breakout sessions for faculty and instructional academic staff who advise graduate students during this time. 

Committee Form Reminder
As we prepare for a strong start to the fall semester, we’re asking all faculty to complete the committee form so we can finalize committee membership. Your input ensures we can align interests, distribute responsibilities effectively, and hit the ground running. If you haven’t already, please take a few minutes to submit your form. 

Help Us Reach More Students: Update Your Email Signature
As we continue to strengthen our identity and communication across the School of Education and Human Services, we encourage everyone to update their Outlook email signature with the new school logo and include the official website link: www.uwosh.edu/soehs. This small update helps reinforce our brand and provides current and prospective students with direct access to our programs and resources. For step-by-step instructions, please refer to the SOEHS Outlook Email Signature Guide. You can find the new school logo here. Thank you for helping us spread the word. 

Mark Your Calendars 

• August 28 —Faculty & IAS Professional Development Day & Convocation 

• September 2 — University Opening Day, COPAE College Meeting & SOEHS All School Meeting 

• September 10 — COPAE Faculty Advisor Training (all faculty and instructional staff with advising responsibilities); 3-5 pm, Sage 1232 (online option coming soon) 

• September 17 — SOEHS Student Advising Open House