Jillian Bigony, a four-year Academic Advisor in USC’s School of Music, is the 2023 recipient of the Commitment to Advising Excellence Award. This institutional award is given to one advisor each year who exemplifies the highest standards set by our Academic Advising program. Jillian’s advising philosophy underscores this approach.

“I want an inclusive environment welcoming to each student I see. By promoting casual and substantive conversations, I create a space that reflects myself and the Music Department." says Bigony.  "If students can see my interests and vulnerabilities, they are more likely to share their own. I want students to know I care for them academically and developmentally.”

Jillian’s own educational journey is key to her success at USC. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theater from Carthage College in Kenosha, WI and a Master’s degree in Drama/Theater for the Young from Eastern Michigan University. Her prior experience working in the Fine Arts field and her alternate pathway to becoming an academic advisor have allowed her to create closer connections with her students and help them see the full potential of their curricular requirements.

Emily Beddingfield is a senior in the School of Music and one of the nominators for Jillian’s award. Beddingfield shares, “Ms. Bigony is an outstanding advisor. She expertly manages the advising of every School of Music student. She was always incredibly kind, making every meeting since my freshman year enjoyable.”  

Another of Jillian’s advisees, Emma Devine, a senior in the School of Music says, “Jillian is authentic, spirited, and genuinely cares about her students’ progress. She encouraged me to reach out anytime to vent or chat about campus life. Jillian makes USC feel like home.”

Since 2016, Jillian has advised over 890 undergraduates, from first-year to senior status, including those who transfer into Music and international students. Our music graduates embark on careers in music education within K-12 and higher education settings, serve as music directors, become professional performers around the world, and even go on to Medical and Law School.

Jillian is authentic, spirited, and  genuinely cares about her students’ progress. She encouraged me to reach out anytime to vent or chat about campus life. Jillian makes USC feel like home.

- School of Music Senior Emma Devine

Jillian says,  ““One of my favorite parts of being the advisor for Music is seeing all the music students engage in co-curricular activities- from the Performance Major who does independent research on Audio Learning Disabilities and how to understand and interpret sound, to the MUED majors who are selected as one of our Drum Majors, to the transfer student who becomes a studio leader and a role model for minority, first-generation, and LGBTQ students.”

Beyond conventional advising, Jillian helps with curriculum management and guidance to help students graduate on time. This includes processing overrides for all courses in Music Education (MUED) and Music (MUSC), maintaining waitlists, and working with the Undergraduate Director and Program Coordinator to identify and meet course needs every semester. In addition, she singularly orchestrates all sessions of the School of Music New Student Orientation (over 200 and counting). Jillian administers the Music Theory Diagnostic Exam to all incoming majors and minors, placing students in classes that match their skill levels. She also serves as the liaison for Degree Works within the School of Music, ensuring that students have clear and accurate access to course requirements and conducts senior checks and exit interviews with graduates. As needed, she helps on audition days and covers tours and events.  Jillian also coordinates the Entrepreneurship Minor, assisting Advisors and students both with the  multi-pathway Minor that complements any degree.

Another nominator is Jillian’s colleague, Margee Zeigler, who said, “The School of Music’s advising system before Jillian's arrival was confusing and ever-changing. With the creation of the University Advising Center, students have one advisor throughout college— a point person they know they can go to. In the Music Department, that person is Jillian.”

Dr. Jacob Will, Associate Dean of the School of Music, agrees.  “Recalling the time when School of Music faculty also served as undergraduate advisors, I can say it is a pleasure to have Jillian with us. Previously, students might be assigned to courses not aligned with their program of study or taken out of sequence. Thanks to Jillian, this is a thing of the past. Her work is an asset to the School of Music."

Jillian Bigony is an exemplary advisor whose background, innovative approaches, and steadfast commitment enhance the academic experience of students at the USC School of Music.

To learn more about institutional awards for Academic Advisors and view previous award winners, please visit the webpage for Academic Advisor Awards.