Certificate: Faculty Academic Advising & Student Mentoring

Empower college faculty and instructional staff with strategies and best practices for academic advising and student mentoring

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Overview

Course Description: This course is designed specifically for faculty and instructors who primarily teach but advise students as part of their role. This faculty academic advising training equips faculty with the skills and strategies to build confidence in advising, make stronger connections with students, and guide them toward college success. Through practical tools, proven techniques, and helpful frameworks, participants will enhance their ability to provide effective, student-centered advising while fostering a sense of belonging and achievement, regardless of their institutional size and type.

Cost: $100 per person. $75 per person for 10-49 people enrolled. $50 per person for enrollments of 50 or more.

Institutions can also purchase this course for unlimited and indefinite use and download it directly into their LMS. Contact us for group discounts or to purchase an unlimited-use license.

Prerequisite: None.

Format: Asynchronous self-paced course. Start and end the course at your own pace and retain indefinite access.

Length: 2 hours

Instructional Materials: All necessary materials are included in the course and will be available instantly upon enrollment.

Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Academic Advising
Module 2: Relational & Inquiry-Based Advising Practices
Module 3: Frameworks and Tactics for Successful Faculty Advising
Module 4: Strategies for Successful Student Mentorship

What You Will Learn

Understanding the Foundations
of Academic Advising

Define academic advising and explore its evolution, values, and ethical principles.
Identify the role of faculty advisors and their impact on student retention and success.
Analyze retention models to understand how advising supports student persistence.
Examine what students want from advising to create meaningful and effective connections.
Align your advising approach with institutional goals and student-centered values.
Understand the unique dynamics of academic advising within the context of instructional faculty responsibilities.

Building Effective Student Connections

Apply simple structure, theories, and frameworks to advising meetings.
Use inquiry-based advising techniques to learn about students’ goals, needs, and aspirations.
Develop strategies for making impactful first and lasting impressions in your advising sessions.
Match resources to individual student goals to provide tailored, effective support.
Learn to guide students toward high-impact educational practices.
Better support students in distress or those facing unique challenges, such as being undecided or adult learners.

Mentoring Students and
Cultivating Growth

Understand the importance of mentorship and embrace a mentorship mindset.
Foster self-awareness, self-determination, and a growth mindset in your students.
Navigate complex advising topics such as FERPA, parent involvement, and FAFSA.
Support students through transitions by aligning resources with their academic and personal goals.
Reflect on your professional growth and engage in ongoing advising professional development.
Drive students toward achieving their potential by inspiring confidence and resilience through your advising.

Learning outcomes:

Define academic advising, the importance of faculty advising, and its impact on student success and retention.
Explain the importance of effective communication in advising and outline strategies for ensuring excellent inquiry-based advising and mentoring.
Understand and apply a framework to advising meetings to increase student engagement and positive meeting outcomes.
Identify common advising tactics for working with unique populations such as undecided students and adult learners, promoting student engagement, setting goals, and receiving more professional development.
Understand the relationship between faculty advising, mentoring, student resilience, confidence, and self-awareness, and incorporate proven strategies to promote positive student development.

"Faculty advisors play a critical role in promoting student success (Light, 2001). In an era when higher education has been challenged philosophically, organizationally and financially, effective advising is more important than ever. Higher education institutions of all stripes can contribute profoundly to student success by ensuring that faculty have the tools necessary to advise students effectively."

Kennemer & Hurt (2013)

Who should take
this course

Individual Faculty or Instructors

Aspiring faculty who are preparing for job interviews and are hoping to market their faculty academic advising training and student mentoring skills.
New faculty who will be asked to advise students as part of their role and want to learn foundational best practices and add advising skills.
Seasoned faculty with advising experience who would like more professional development and training in this area to increase student success.

New Faculty Orientation Programs

Include this course in your new faculty orientation program each fall, building skills and confidence in advising and mentoring in your new faculty. Support their growth and increase their self-efficacy in this important responsibility.

Academic Departments, Divisions, or Entire Institutions

Academic leaders: Enroll your faculty in this course as a group, demonstrating accountability and a commitment to strong advising and mentoring in your department, college, or university. Faculty can complete this 90-minute course on a regular cadence, such as bi-annually or every three years, much like other training they are required to complete regularly.

Reviews

Amber B.

I feel more equipped to support students in a way that’s both intentional and impactful. This is a great resource for anyone looking to enhance their coaching skills and better connect with students.

Gina S.

This made me a more aware, thoughtful and empowering advisor and coach. The information gave me concrete strategies to continue working with students. The self reflection spaces gave me time to process and consider what has been implemented and how to continue to grow.

Cheska P.

I highly recommend this to fellow professionals who seek to make a meaningful impact in their students' lives. Thank you to the facilitators for this transformative experience! The course exceeded my expectations in several ways.

Gabriel P.

These courses have made such an impact on the way I approach my work with students! The practical tools and techniques helped me build stronger connections with students and guide them toward success. Highly recommend!

"Faculty want to feel more competent at advising; advisor training and professional development can improve job satisfaction, performace, and postive student outcomes."

Voller (2012)

SOME OF THE INSTITUTIONS USING OUR RESOURCES OR ONLINE TRAINING COURSES

Why your college should invest in more professional development for your team

Great faculty academic advising training is crucial for several reasons. Providing effective training programs can significantly impact the satisfaction, engagement, and overall success of faculty and their students. Here are key reasons why high-quality training is important:

Job Satisfaction: Faculty who receive proper training are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. Knowing that they have the skills and resources to excel in their roles enhances job satisfaction and contributes to a positive college environment.

Employee Confidence: Faculty advisor training builds confidence by providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge. Working with college students is challenging work, and confident employees are more likely to take initiative, contribute ideas, and remain engaged in their work.

Retention of High Performers: Faculty who are high performers are often motivated by opportunities for learning and growth. Providing them with challenging and meaningful advising and mentoring training can help retain top talent by satisfying their desire for continuous improvement.

Cultural Alignment: Faculty advising and mentoring training programs can convey and reinforce the college culture. When employees understand and align with the student-centered values and goals of the college, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and commitment.

Skill Development: Faculty academic advising training programs help faculty develop the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their advising role effectively.

Increased Productivity: Well-trained instructors are typically more productive. They can perform their tasks efficiently and contribute to the overall success of the college. Increased productivity is a positive outcome that can contribute to job satisfaction and employee retention.

Career Development: Training opportunities signal to college faculty that the institution is invested in their professional growth. When instructors see a clear path for career development and advancement within the college, they are more inclined to stay and build a long-term commitment.

Talent Attraction: If you have a reputation for offering excellent training and development, you will be more attractive to potential instructors. This can be a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining top talent, as more people are asking in interviews “What kind of training and support will I receive?”.

In summary, excellent faculty academic advising training is a strategic investment that not only equips college employees with the skills they need but also contributes to their job satisfaction, engagement, and overall commitment to the institution. By fostering continuous learning and development, colleges can create an environment that supports employee retention and long-term success.