From strangers to trusted friends and from anxiety to confidence, Jobin Mojtabavi’s job runs the full gamut of emotions and experiences.
As the director of student services at Fairleigh Dickinson University(FDU) Vancouver, Mojtabavi has helped thousands of students reach their potential in academics – and in life – over the course of his 17-year tenure with the academic institution.
“It's an absolutely gratifying role and I’m very lucky to do it,” he says. “To see these fresh-faced students come to FDU and then achieve whatever they want – academically, career-wise or personally – is incredible.”
Guiding students to success
For close to two decades, FDU Vancouver has played a vital role in shaping globally minded professionals in British Columbia. FDU students are drawn to its supportive educational environment, where small class sizes, access to faculty and personalized student services foster success. FDU’s academic offerings stretch into the U.S. and Europe, with ties to strong industry connections that translate education into real-world experience and employment outcomes.
As for Mojtabavi, picture him and his team as a group of expert wayfinders. They help direct new students to tutoring, counselling, medical, immigration or housing services upon first arrival and then supplement that support as learners continue their academic journeys.
For nearly 20 years, FDU Vancouver has helped students thrive through personalized support, global opportunities and real-world connections. Photo via FDU Vancouver
That progression through the post-secondary ranks then includes assistance from the career services department, where career exploration, resumes, connecting with industry, integrated learning programs, internships and eventual job placements are the order of the day.
“We're here to ensure a family atmosphere and a soft landing for students, so that when you arrive, you can focus on your academics,” Mojtabavi says. “We really emphasize that personalized attention – you're more than a number and you're not going to get lost amongst thousands of other students.”
It’s a process that begins long before the first day of instruction, as online orientations and pre-arrival webinars help facilitate a soft landing. Upon arrival at campus, seminars, meet and greets and additional orientation sessions are held to put names to faces and ease concerns of any sort: transition, immigration, mental health and anxiety or the course load ahead.
And when it comes time to tackle those courses, FDU’s personalized instruction is precisely that – personal. Courses average about 18 students per class and include one-on-one guidance, rather than the cavernous and impersonal settings found in other lecture halls.
FDU Vancouver sets students up for success from day one with early support, small classes and one-on-one instruction. Photo via FDU Vancouver
Learning through global experience
Beyond the classroom experience comes a host of experiential learning opportunities. FDU Vancouver students participate in a Model United Nations program that sees students travelling yearly to New York City to take part in conferences featuring debates, speeches, negotiating tactics and more. In addition, FDU’s study-abroad programs allow students to continue their learning in the United States, England or at partner institutions in Germany, France, South America or further afield.
Those choosing to stay in Canada can benefit from fully integrated, work-integrated learning programs that serve as an internship in three of FDU Vancouver’s bachelor's or master's degree programs.
“To know that we were there as a student’s initial support system once you see them excelling in the Canadian marketplace is the best part of our jobs,” Mojtabavi says.
To learn more about how to start your journey with FDU, visit www.fdu.edu/campuses/vancouver-campus/.
