Kennesaw State University is suspending academic advisor Abby Dawson from her advising responsibilities after video emerged in May of her telling a student that waiting until someone is available for a meeting is "harassment." In a statement Friday, the university said her behavior "will not be tolerated."
The university in Georgia said Friday it began a review of the advising within the Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management in May following complaints from students. Dawson was originally placed on administrative leave on May 15 when the review was ordered due tovideo of her confrontation with student Kevin Bruce.
Kennesaw State officials met with 13 students, faculty and staff members in the department, that falls under the WellStar College of Health and Human Services, the school said. The university will now centralize the academic advising process for the entire College, deploy student-service, diversity and cross-training for all advisors, and hire additional staff to meet student advising needs.
Dawson was given a formal written warning and will be temporarily reassigned.
"While we in no way condone Ms. Dawson's actions, we also acknowledge that we need to make some changes in our advising structure to provide more training and support for our staff so that they are better equipped to help our students navigate their college experience," Ken Harmon, provost and vice president of academic affairs, said in a statement.