Laura Essig

Laura Essig photo

Associate Director of Student Degree Progress & Retention

360 Education Sciences Building
For appointments, call 612-625-3339 or schedule online.
Direct: 612-626-4866
lessig@umn.edu

About me

Hi All, my name is Laura Essig and I am so excited to be guiding you on your academic journey! I was born and raised in Michigan where I attended Michigan State University (MSU) and earned my BA in Public Administration & Public Policy and my MA in higher education administration. Originally wanting to go into politics, life took me in a different direction. I stumbled into academic advising and I never looked back.

Before moving to Minnesota, I worked at MSU in recruitment, advising, orientation, study abroad, and career development. I made the move to Minnesota in 2019, starting in the Office for Community Standards and most recently served as the undergraduate advisor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering.

I was a first-generation college student who had no idea what I wanted to do or study but just knew I was told I had to go to college. I remember the challenges of navigating the campus and its resources but also valued the variety of experiences offered to undergraduates. I hope to be of resource to you all as you work towards your academic, personal, and professional goals!

When I'm not working I enjoy attending concerts, watching sports, cross stitching, paddle boarding, hanging out with my dog, drinking way too much coffee, and just being around my people!

We are committed to providing a comfortable, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members of our communities. If there is information that you feel would be helpful for us to know, including disability or other accommodations needs, I invite you to share it with me directly or let the front desk know when you schedule an appointment.

Drop-in advising

Drop-in advising is available over Zoom. Check with your advisor for their weekly availability.

Drop-in advising is usually limited to a 10 to 15 minute session. Students needing more time should schedule a 30 minute appointment by calling Student Services at 612-625-3339.

Example of issues for drop-in advising

  • Review of classes and class schedule
  • APAS review and updates
  • Petition discussions
  • Signatures for academic forms
  • Short Q&A
  • General discussion
  • Non-academic topics (such as time management, connecting on campus, etc.)