Advising & Academic Services Team
Need academic support?
Meet with a Student Success Center advisor
Students at the University of Delaware College of Arts & Sciences can meet with a Student Success Center advisor for help with academic planning, questions about degree requirements, academic concerns due to extenuating circumstances and more. Email your advisor directly or schedule an appointment online at Stellic. Questions? Email the Student Success Center at as-advise@udel.edu.
For Jennifer's assigned students
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Jennifer DeLuca has worked in education since 1998 both at the high school level and in higher education spanning over 20 years. Her passion is supporting students to strive to be their best selves, particularly those who may find themselves struggling. Helping and empowering students is why she loves this field. Approachable, compassionate and invested are words students have used to describe DeLuca, and her priority is ensuring each student is valued and understood. As a first-generation college graduate, she has an undergraduate degree in English/creative writing and a Master of Science in school counseling. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, exercising, parenting two teenagers and playing with an energetic rescue dog.
For Jennifer's assigned students
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Jennifer DeLuca has worked in education since 1998 both at the high school level and in higher education spanning over 20 years. Her passion is supporting students to strive to be their best selves, particularly those who may find themselves struggling. Helping and empowering students is why she loves this field. Approachable, compassionate and invested are words students have used to describe DeLuca, and her priority is ensuring each student is valued and understood. As a first-generation college graduate, she has an undergraduate degree in English/creative writing and a Master of Science in school counseling. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, exercising, parenting two teenagers and playing with an energetic rescue dog.
For Theresa's assigned students
Theresa DeMatteis really enjoys being a part of the College of Arts & Sciences advisement team! She brings with her over 30 plus years’ experience in advising students at both the high school and college level. Her students call her Mrs. D.!
DeMatteis is enthusiastic about working with young people and helping them reach their academic and personal goals. She enjoys making new connections, providing quality student-centered service, and being an advocate for all students. She prides herself on providing a safe, welcoming and organized environment. Professionally, DeMatteis strives to empower and engage students while maintaining professionalism, teamwork and outstanding service. Students have complimented her on being supportive, genuine, accommodating and responsive to questions and concerns.
DeMatteis is Mental Health First Aid certified, an OIEDI Lead Ally, and a first-generation college student. Originally from Philadelphia, Theresa earned her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Cabrini College and her Master of Science in community counseling and human relations from Villanova University. She enjoys spending time with her husband, children and three grandchildren.
For Theresa's assigned students
Theresa DeMatteis really enjoys being a part of the College of Arts & Sciences advisement team! She brings with her over 30 plus years’ experience in advising students at both the high school and college level. Her students call her Mrs. D.!
DeMatteis is enthusiastic about working with young people and helping them reach their academic and personal goals. She enjoys making new connections, providing quality student-centered service, and being an advocate for all students. She prides herself on providing a safe, welcoming and organized environment. Professionally, DeMatteis strives to empower and engage students while maintaining professionalism, teamwork and outstanding service. Students have complimented her on being supportive, genuine, accommodating and responsive to questions and concerns.
DeMatteis is Mental Health First Aid certified, an OIEDI Lead Ally, and a first-generation college student. Originally from Philadelphia, Theresa earned her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Cabrini College and her Master of Science in community counseling and human relations from Villanova University. She enjoys spending time with her husband, children and three grandchildren.
For D'Janna's assigned students
D’Janna Hamilton began working as an advisor while earning her master’s degree in sociology from the University of Delaware. During the summers while on break from school, she helped to advise new students who would be entering the University in the fall. When given the opportunity to become a full-time advisor, she jumped at the opportunity and has been working with students ever since! Hamilton graduated from the University of Delaware twice, earning degrees in women and gender studies and sociology. In her free time, she enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and exploring new hobbies.
For D'Janna's assigned students
D’Janna Hamilton began working as an advisor while earning her master’s degree in sociology from the University of Delaware. During the summers while on break from school, she helped to advise new students who would be entering the University in the fall. When given the opportunity to become a full-time advisor, she jumped at the opportunity and has been working with students ever since! Hamilton graduated from the University of Delaware twice, earning degrees in women and gender studies and sociology. In her free time, she enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and exploring new hobbies.
For Tessa's assigned students
Tessa Hayman was born and raised in Delaware and is a proud Blue Hen, having earned B.S. degrees from the University of Delaware in wildlife ecology & conservation and agriculture & natural resources while also a varsity student-athlete on the women’s swim team. While a UD student, Hayman had such positive experiences with her academic advisors that it opened her eyes to working in higher education and ultimately led her to pursue a M.Ed. in higher education leadership from Mercer University. As an academic advisor, Hayman hopes to collaborate with and support students as they navigate their academic journeys and also aid transfer students in their transition to UD. She aspires to lead students on the path to success at UD and beyond. In her free time, Hayman loves to travel, spend time with family and be outside in nature.
For Tessa's assigned students
Tessa Hayman was born and raised in Delaware and is a proud Blue Hen, having earned B.S. degrees from the University of Delaware in wildlife ecology & conservation and agriculture & natural resources while also a varsity student-athlete on the women’s swim team. While a UD student, Hayman had such positive experiences with her academic advisors that it opened her eyes to working in higher education and ultimately led her to pursue a M.Ed. in higher education leadership from Mercer University. As an academic advisor, Hayman hopes to collaborate with and support students as they navigate their academic journeys and also aid transfer students in their transition to UD. She aspires to lead students on the path to success at UD and beyond. In her free time, Hayman loves to travel, spend time with family and be outside in nature.
For Steph's assigned students
After seeing how impactful the college experience could be while she was in undergrad, Steph Helgeson decided to pursue higher education as a career. Now, as a professional, her goal is to support her students utilizing a collaborative, empathetic and well-rounded lens. The personal growth and identity development that occurs in college is why she still loves the work.
Originally from Atlantic County, New Jersey, Helgeson is a proud alumna of Rutgers University (B.A. in psychology, 2014) and the University of South Carolina (M.Ed. in higher education and student affairs, 2016). Helgeson's higher education experience spans career development, multicultural and LGBTQIA+ affairs, residence life and orientation programs. She is a Certified Appreciative Adviser through the Office of Appreciative Education at Florida Atlantic University and is also Mental Health First Aid-certified. Helgeson's students have described her as helpful and a positive influence in their UD lives. Steph loves traveling with her husband, Adam, listening to podcasts, gardening, cooking and spending time with friends and her nephews.
For Steph's assigned students
After seeing how impactful the college experience could be while she was in undergrad, Steph Helgeson decided to pursue higher education as a career. Now, as a professional, her goal is to support her students utilizing a collaborative, empathetic and well-rounded lens. The personal growth and identity development that occurs in college is why she still loves the work.
Originally from Atlantic County, New Jersey, Helgeson is a proud alumna of Rutgers University (B.A. in psychology, 2014) and the University of South Carolina (M.Ed. in higher education and student affairs, 2016). Helgeson's higher education experience spans career development, multicultural and LGBTQIA+ affairs, residence life and orientation programs. She is a Certified Appreciative Adviser through the Office of Appreciative Education at Florida Atlantic University and is also Mental Health First Aid-certified. Helgeson's students have described her as helpful and a positive influence in their UD lives. Steph loves traveling with her husband, Adam, listening to podcasts, gardening, cooking and spending time with friends and her nephews.
For Allyson's assigned students
Working part time in an advising office while in college, Allyson McDonough realized it was a profession she could really see herself turning into a career, which she has now been in for more than years. With a Bachelor of Arts in education and an Master of Education in school counseling, McDonough has found her place in higher education and loves being the support and sounding board for her students. She finds true delight in seeing her students learn, grow and evolve into adulthood during this pivotal time in their lives and strongly believes in a holistic advising approach.
Outside of work, you can find McDonough traveling, hiking, gardening, thrifting, reading, watching documentaries and spending time with friends and family. And any day spent at the beach is a good day!
For Allyson's assigned students
Working part time in an advising office while in college, Allyson McDonough realized it was a profession she could really see herself turning into a career, which she has now been in for more than years. With a Bachelor of Arts in education and an Master of Education in school counseling, McDonough has found her place in higher education and loves being the support and sounding board for her students. She finds true delight in seeing her students learn, grow and evolve into adulthood during this pivotal time in their lives and strongly believes in a holistic advising approach.
Outside of work, you can find McDonough traveling, hiking, gardening, thrifting, reading, watching documentaries and spending time with friends and family. And any day spent at the beach is a good day!
For Sheryl's assigned students
Sheryl Ratcliffe is an academic advisor with a deep-rooted passion for student success and over 15 years of experience in higher education. Originally from Southern New Jersey, she earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Stockton University and a Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University. She is also a proud alumna of the Washington Center for Internships in Washington, D.C. Ratcliffe has served in a variety of roles throughout her career but finds her greatest fulfillment in guiding students through their academic journeys. She is Mental Health First Aid certified and has been a dedicated member of the National Association for Academic Advising (NACADA), for over a decade. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons and dog, traveling, trying new restaurants, and relaxing at the Jersey Shore. She comes from a family of Blue Hen alumni and is a proud Blue Hen mom.
For Sheryl's assigned students
Sheryl Ratcliffe is an academic advisor with a deep-rooted passion for student success and over 15 years of experience in higher education. Originally from Southern New Jersey, she earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Stockton University and a Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University. She is also a proud alumna of the Washington Center for Internships in Washington, D.C. Ratcliffe has served in a variety of roles throughout her career but finds her greatest fulfillment in guiding students through their academic journeys. She is Mental Health First Aid certified and has been a dedicated member of the National Association for Academic Advising (NACADA), for over a decade. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons and dog, traveling, trying new restaurants, and relaxing at the Jersey Shore. She comes from a family of Blue Hen alumni and is a proud Blue Hen mom.
For Bri's assigned students
Bri VanArsdale is a proud alum of the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in sociology (double major in English, minors in theater arts and film studies). While earning their M.A. in sociology at the University of Delaware, they spent their summers advising incoming College of Arts and Sciences students and loved it so much they turned into a career. VanArsdale enjoys empowering students to advocate for themselves and adopts a collaborative, holistic approach to advising. They find it particularly gratifying helping students develop an individualized academic plan that accounts for all their varied interests. VanArsdale is Mental Health First Aid certified, an OIEDI Lead Ally, and a first-generation college graduate. Outside of work, Bri loves thrifting, collaging, reading, rooting for the Sixers and spending time with their wife Emily and son Harvey.
For Bri's assigned students
Bri VanArsdale is a proud alum of the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in sociology (double major in English, minors in theater arts and film studies). While earning their M.A. in sociology at the University of Delaware, they spent their summers advising incoming College of Arts and Sciences students and loved it so much they turned into a career. VanArsdale enjoys empowering students to advocate for themselves and adopts a collaborative, holistic approach to advising. They find it particularly gratifying helping students develop an individualized academic plan that accounts for all their varied interests. VanArsdale is Mental Health First Aid certified, an OIEDI Lead Ally, and a first-generation college graduate. Outside of work, Bri loves thrifting, collaging, reading, rooting for the Sixers and spending time with their wife Emily and son Harvey.
For Samantha's assigned students
Samantha (Sam) Wagner has had three passions since she was a young kid: dance, Pokémon and going to school. She’s the textbook definition of a lifelong learner and relishes any opportunity to grow, personally and professionally! Sam is a graduate of Rowan University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in history (2014), Bachelor of Arts in subject matter education (2014) and Master of Arts in counseling in educational settings (2016). While in college, she realized that academic advising was the perfect way to mesh her love of education with her passion for creating meaningful, one-on-one relationships with students. Wagners believes higher education is a transformative experience where students can learn something from every class they take and every opportunity they have. She’s described by her students as friendly, supportive and approachable, to the point where advising appointments can feel like they’re on FaceTime together! Outside of the office, Wagner loves playing cozy video games (like Pokémon or the Sims), rooting for the Phillies and the Sixers (#TrustTheProcess), going to concerts and teaching or taking dance classes.
For Samantha's assigned students
Samantha (Sam) Wagner has had three passions since she was a young kid: dance, Pokémon and going to school. She’s the textbook definition of a lifelong learner and relishes any opportunity to grow, personally and professionally! Sam is a graduate of Rowan University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in history (2014), Bachelor of Arts in subject matter education (2014) and Master of Arts in counseling in educational settings (2016). While in college, she realized that academic advising was the perfect way to mesh her love of education with her passion for creating meaningful, one-on-one relationships with students. Wagners believes higher education is a transformative experience where students can learn something from every class they take and every opportunity they have. She’s described by her students as friendly, supportive and approachable, to the point where advising appointments can feel like they’re on FaceTime together! Outside of the office, Wagner loves playing cozy video games (like Pokémon or the Sims), rooting for the Phillies and the Sixers (#TrustTheProcess), going to concerts and teaching or taking dance classes.
For Elizabeth's assigned students
A proud alumna of her alma mater, Delaware State University, Elizabeth Wilson is originally from New Jersey and brings a student-centered, holistic approach to academic advising. She is committed to supporting students' academic, personal and professional development through individualized guidance and care to all students. With a Bachelor of Arts in English from DSU, a Master of Arts in Education in educational studies from the University of Phoenix, and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership with a concentration in higher education from DSU, she combines strong academic expertise with a passion for helping students thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, cooking and learning new things.
For Elizabeth's assigned students
A proud alumna of her alma mater, Delaware State University, Elizabeth Wilson is originally from New Jersey and brings a student-centered, holistic approach to academic advising. She is committed to supporting students' academic, personal and professional development through individualized guidance and care to all students. With a Bachelor of Arts in English from DSU, a Master of Arts in Education in educational studies from the University of Phoenix, and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership with a concentration in higher education from DSU, she combines strong academic expertise with a passion for helping students thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, cooking and learning new things.
