Session I
Putting Together the Technology Puzzle: Using Complementary Technology Platforms for a Holistic Advising Approach
Kelly Briggs, Lindsey Morford, & Sandra Avalos
Kansas State University
Technology in academic advising is a current “hot topic” in advising circles. Advisors and administrators on every campus are attempting to find the elusive balance between connecting with students in the digital age and providing the personal interaction that is proven to positively impact retention. In this session, hear about how one · advising center is using technology resources as complementary pieces of a big-picture “puzzle” to improve support services for students. Attendees will brainstorm how they might use the student information systems, learning management systems, and other resources available on their campuses to complete their own technology “puzzle.”
Watch video from this session
Video extra: the puzzle exercise
Greek Life 101: Can the Privilege Be at Risk?
Alexis Johnson
University of Kansas
Fraternities and sororities are viewed as privileged, but individual members require special attention to ensure academic success. This community is under fire as it works to convince society that academic success is as important to its organizations as social activities. Research shows that fraternity and sorority members are at jeopardy of earning less credit hours and producing lower GPAs than non-affiliated students; however, they are also retained at higher rates. This presentation seeks to close the gap between retention and academic performance within this population through preparing advisors to meet the needs of members of fraternities and sororities.
Expectancy Cycle, the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy and Advising
Robert Pettay
Kansas State University
The expectancy cycle is a four-stage model developed by Horn, Lox, and Labrador to explain coach’s feedback behaviors. This feedback plays a role in creating a self-fulfilling prophecy for the individual in the relationship. This session will examine the expectancy cycle and self-fulfilling prophecy and the role they play in the advising relationship by exploring implicit bias and beliefs of the advisor. Case studies and discussion will be used to examine approaches to advising and how to create a facilitative and fulfilling advising experience.
Grade Checks and Reality Checks: Grade Checks at Weeks 4 and 8 Uncover Surprising Data on Passage Rates
Jennifer Wiard
Washburn University
The purpose of this presentation is to help professional and faculty advisors identify red flags for at-risk students at key benchmarks in the semester. One of the major conclusions of my research is the importance of faculty participation in an early alert system during the first quarter of the term. We will accomplish these learning outcomes through handouts and by discussing the data together.
Session II
Ichabod Success Institute: Supporting First Generation Student Success
Jeannie Cornelius, Colleen Hanna, and Mario Porras
Washburn University
Changing demographics in Kansas will continue to bring more first generation students to higher education. Washburn University, as an open access institution, continues to develop pathways that promote success for historically underprepared students. The Ichabod Success Institute began in the summer 2016 as a collaborative effort to assist local first generation high school students prepare for the academic rigor and successful transition into Washburn University. Advisors for this program will highlight aspects of the Institute, including challenges and lessons learned from the 2016 and 2017 summer programs. This program was recognized by University Business as a 2016 Model of Excellence Program.
MythBusters: AAS degrees CAN transfer into a 4-year university degree program
Jennifer Pfortmiller & Joseph Chretien
Kansas State University & Fort Hays State University
Did you know that Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University and Pittsburg State University each have a degree program that can efficiently utilize the credits earned in an AAS degree at community and/or technical colleges? Learn in this MythBuster session how students pursuing (or who have obtained) an AAS degree can earn a bachelor’s degree without having to start over again. Advising work-force ready, highly skilled students who are seeking a bachelor’s degree for advancement has never been easier!
Watch video of this session
Academic Advising with Multiple Measures Placement: the Good, the Bad, the Ugly
Kyle Bures
Neosho County Community College (Ottawa Campus)
Join us as we explore the impacts multiple measures have on student placement and advising, as we expose the Good (improvements), the Bad (set-backs), and the Ugly (unintended consequences) that we’ve experienced as we work as an institution to adopt multiple measures and implement it into our advising practice.
See slides from this presentation (PDF)
Session III
Outside the Lines: Providing Support to Student-Athletes from the Outside
Kaydee Emperley
Washburn University
Working with student-athletes can be a challenge, regardless of what type of institution you work in. This presentation is aimed at presenting helpful tips for working with student-athletes in helping progress them toward graduation as well as some ideas for creating a connection with the Athletic departments to ensure that everyone is working toward the greater good of the student. This will be an interactive session, so be ready to talk!
Academic Coaching Program: A new initiative at Kansas State University
Nidhi Bhandari
Kansas State University
2016 brought about several programmatic changes in the office of student life at Kansas State University. With the opportunity to reevaluate existing programs and dream design new and enhanced student academic success programs, fall 2016 saw the birth and roll out of the new Academic Coaching Program at the Academic Achievement Center at K-State. This presentation is an attempt to present various components of the coaching program, and the first year strides made by the program. The audience will learn about the elements of effective coaching and its benefits in retention, and engage in a self-awareness activity to identify their core motivation type.
Community College Advising: What Do You Bring to the Table?
Renee Gregory
Kansas City Kansas Community College
Though a roundtable discussion and brainstorming workshop, we will facilitate a discussion among community college advisors and highlight best practices. Attendees will learn what other advisors are successfully implementing on their campuses and have the opportunity to share their own highlights and viable advising and academic counseling methods. Together, we Will create a “Top I 0 List” of community college advising best practices to take back to our teams. As community college advisors, we strive to provide · excellent support to· our students. What will you bring to the table?