1:15-2:05 p.m.
Empathy and Advising: Integrating concepts to enhance the advising experience
Robert Pettay, Kansas State University
The concept of advising is derived from the word advice which is defined as offering suggestions about the best course of action to someone. Empathy is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. An effective advisor is able to integrate these concepts and by being an empathetic listener, work with the student to address and resolve the real issues and problems of the student. This session will address and apply the underlying principles of empathy by defining empathy and the importance of empathy, examining the habits of empathic people, and engaging in empathy based activities.
Academic Action Plan a guide to reaching good academic standing
Shelly Mann, University of Kansas
The KU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences piloted a retention initiative for students on academic probation during spring 2016. All probation students were required to meet with an advisor to complete an Academic Action Plan. The action plan covered GPA requirements, obstacles the student is experiencing, campus resources, goal setting, etc. The action plan also served as a guide for advisors to cover all pertinent probation information with students. In this presentation, we will discuss all components of the action plan itself, the communication plan we used for advisors and students, and the outcomes for this pilot initiative.
A Regional Review of the Freshman Seminar
Cherilee Walker, Kansas City Kansas Community College
Since the 1970s, research has suggested that participation in a freshman seminar has a positive impact on student persistence, retention, and completion. However, considerable variance exists on virtually every other aspect of such courses, including institutional practices, course set-up, content, instructor qualifications, and outcomes. Given the changes in financial aid regulations and the increasing range of student populations (academic preparation, diversity, etc.), it becomes increasingly important to examine the freshman seminar and its effectiveness.
Developing Dreams: Training Advisors on the Appreciative Advising Framework
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Samantha Cloon, University of Kansas
Academic advising from a student’s perspective can be very confusing when there are not clear expectations for the advising relationship. Especially in larger campus settings where advising assignments may fluctuate, students could feel as though they are having a conversation with a good friend when meeting with one advisor and the next they are left feeling like just an ID number.
While personal style is critical to building rapport with students, establishing a common framework for advisors helps to build consistent expectations and ultimately enhances a student’s overall experience and satisfaction. This presentation will demonstrate how the Appreciative Advising model can provide a stable theoretical structure for an advising office that still allows for individualized approaches to meet students’ needs. Advisor training will be discussed as well as specific strategies for implementing the six phases of the model in your advising office.
Xie, Ve, and It: Finding the Language to Advise Trans* Students
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Nick Marshall, Washburn University
You might know the faces and stories of well-known trans* individuals like Caitlyn Jenner, Jazz Jennings, Chaz Bono, and Laverne Cox. But do you know the faces and stories of trans* students on your campus? During this session we will look at the status of trans* people in both American society and in higher education, and then, through group activities and open discussion, we will dig deeper into the language higher education professionals use when talking to (and talking about) trans* students.