Navigating Student Success: The Evolving Role of Canadian Academic Advisors

5/7/2024 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM

Presenter: Heather Doyle

This session aims to inspire and equip Canadian academic advisors with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to effectively support student success in today's ever-changing educational landscape. Together, we'll explore innovative approaches and collaborative solutions to empower students on their academic and personal journeys.

We will review the context of academic advising within Canadian higher education institutions while discussing the pivotal role advisors play in guiding students towards success, helping them navigate challenges, and fostering holistic development. We'll explore how advisors address the diverse needs, goals, and aspirations of students from various backgrounds and academic stages, while addressing the importance of inclusive practices to ensure equitable access and support for all students, especially those from marginalized communities. Together, we'll explore innovative approaches and collaborative solutions to empower students on their academic and personal journeys.

Coaching Competencies for Academic Advisors

5/7/2024 1:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Presenter: Theresa Voorsluys

Abstract: 

 

This session is for those interested in foundational coaching competencies or using a coach approach in their advising practice. Holistic academic advisors need a wide range of tools to deal with the complexity of students and the situations they might encounter in their work. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. This interactive session delves into specific coaching competencies that enhance advising conversations and includes time for participants to experiment with them or discuss strategies for use.

 

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Theresa Voorsluys, Manager, Academic Advising at Kwantlen Polytechnic University is a seasoned Student Affairs professional with time dedicated to Orientation & Transitions, Volunteer Services, and Student Success Coaching. With an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies underway and a Certified Executive Coaching credential earned in 2019, Theresa is dedicated to collaborating with individuals to realize their full potential. As a certified career development practitioner and associate certified coach, she thrives when taking a holistic approach to supporting others to achieve their goals.

The IDEA Series for Advisors: a fresh take on equity training

5/7/2024 1:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Presenter: Kate Andrey & Priscila Carrara

Abstract:

Creating a positive experience for every student at the University of Waterloo means advisors must understand how they can best support Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, and other historically underrepresented students. The IDEA Series, which stands for Inclusion, Indigenization, Interculturalization, Decolonization, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-racism, gives advisors opportunities to apply equity principles to their advising practices through recommended training and facilitated conversations. Find out more about this initiative, how we’re assessing its success, and the benefits it’s bringing to our advising community.

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Kate Andrey (she/her) is a University of Waterloo alumna and has worked in student affairs at UWaterloo for over 10 years. She supported students with academic guidance and study abroad opportunities before moving into a coordinating role that leads the UWaterloo Advising Community of Practice, organizes advisor training and professional development, and co-creates a cross-campus advising strategy.  

Priscila Carrara (she/they), also a University of Waterloo alumna, has worked with and for UWaterloo undergrad students since 2012, most of her time in academic advising roles. She strives to make her office an environment where students can be open and honest about who they are and their struggles. The IDEA Series aligns with her goal to work towards making the university campuses an extension of that, a place where students can be heard, offered appropriate support, and referred to the best campus and community resources.

Words Matter for Student Mattering: At-Risk Student Success Score to Student Support Alert for Advisors

5/8/2024 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Presenter: Paula Greenwood & Laxshaa Nadpurajah

Abstract: 

Are you ready to unlearn long-standing advising terms like “success score”, “at-risk students” and “intrusive advising” and gain new affirming language like “student support alert”, while providing advising services for all students? We want to share the process our team went through to shift to an equity-based advising approach through data-informed retention metrics and a support alert for advisors. Rather than a first-come, first-serve approach, we are studying the impacts of applying methods like psychologically attuned strength-based student engagement methods, financial incentives, and pre-booking appointments for specific students with a support alert. Based on retention factors outside the student’s control, we are focusing in on intentionally lowering barriers for these student, while enabling space for all students to participate in advising services. So far, this new approach has protected advisor workload, while also showing us that the extra outreach and support positively impacts the student experience. Come prepare to share what is working in your area, related to equity-based advising, as we collectively dismantle systemic barriers for all students.

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Paula Greenwood, Manager, Student Advising, Centennial College, MEd., BEd. (she/her)

Since the inception of a holistic advising model at Centennial College in 2016, Paula’s role in leading the advising network has seen a 30% growth in services to over 30,000 students each term. Rooted in developmental and appreciative advising principles, the goal is to lower systemic barriers for equity-deserving populations. Built around a relational, empowering, and learning-based approach to advising student, Paula continues to lead the evolution of advising to meet the complex needs of International and Domestic learners through hybrid approaches and specialized portfolios; all aimed at enhancing student engagement and retention in turbulent times. As a first-generation university student who navigated a chronic illness and learning differences, Paula continues to anchor her work through a passion for normalizing and reducing systemic barriers for students pursuing their goals. Having the privilege of gaining degrees in Visual Arts, English, and Education, along with a Master of Education,  Paula feels immense gratitude for her journey working with, and learning from, outstanding individuals and teams from her roles at Western University, Trent University, and The University of Toronto, along with her colleagues at Centennial College.

 

Laxshaa Nadpurajah, Student Success Coordinator, Professor and Program Coordinator, Centennial College, MMA., MEd., BAH. (she/her)

Laxshaa leads advising-focused projects using data to enhance operational effectiveness and improve the student experience. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Predictive Analytics and Higher Education, Laxshaa holds a Master of Management Analytics and a Master of Education from Queen’s University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Quantitative Psychology and Criminal Justice & Public Policy from the University of Guelph. With a background in quality assurance, project coordination, and research, she is passionate about utilizing data insights to drive meaningful change in education.

 

Embracing Holistic Advising: Impacting Student Experience and Mitigating Advisor Burnout using Proactive Workshops

5/8/2024 1:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Presenter: Virginia Davis & Stacy

Abstract: 

This presentation explores the relationship between holistic advising and proactive student workshops, emphasizing the potential to positively impact the student experience, promote collaboration across the university, and alleviate advisor burnout. Holistic advising recognizes the needs of students beyond academics.  The integration of tailored workshops to address these needs, delivered by the advising team, aims to address specific challenges that students tend to face.  Join us as we explore proactive approaches to the student experience that prioritize the well-being of students and advisors alike. 

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Stacy (they/them) joined Ivey in 2022 after 7 years as a solo entrepreneur and 10 years at McMaster University before that. They own 2 businesses, one specializing in academic transcription and the other in personal recovery coaching. Stacy has completed 2 coaching certificates and is looking into a third certificate in Executive Coaching. When not at Ivey, Stacy can be found spending time with their partner, going on adventures, reading, and doing art. 

Virginia Davis (she/her) joined Ivey in the summer of 2023 after making a dramatic career shift from the world of Emergency Telecommunications, where she served as an Ambulance Dispatcher for 14 years. She sat on the Board of Directors for Bereaved Families of Ontario after suffering a significant personal loss and firmly believes in the model of ‘helping to heal’. In her down time, Virginia enjoys live music, writing, pottery, and yoga. 

Unpacking and acknowledging why university students struggling with literacy and numeracy skills matters to academic advisors

5/9/2024 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Presenter: Sarah Bector

Abstract:

 This knowledge exchange will provide a dedicated space for student services professionals (and advisors alike) to have a deep dive into why literacy and numeracy skills are important for university students in Canada, and specifically, to examine together:

• Why it matters for student services professionals to be aware when students struggle academically with these foundational learning skills,
• To explore the reasons as to why this phenomena has been occurring increasingly, year-over-year in Canada, and
• How can we, as a community of professionals, consider adapting our practices to better serve this demographic of students?

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Sarah Bector is a student services professional with over 15 years’ experience working in the post-secondary education field in Canada. She has had the privilege to work in a myriad of diverse student-centric environments, including student-learning centres, advising-specific centres, recruitment and advising units, as well as more recently in administrative capacities as an interim director of student services and academic affairs, as well as an academic programs and projects/ student policy specialist. Sarah’s professional work experience is rooted in experiences from the University of Manitoba (Winnipeg), as well as more recently, from the University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon). In addition, Sarah has a social work degree from McGill University (Montreal), as well as an education degree from the University of Manitoba. She identifies as a Canadian who is passionate about students, student learning and development, as well as improving our education systems, as we seek to create empowered places of student success across our nation together.

Harness the Power of Positive Psychology to Increase Students’ Sense of Belonging

5/9/2024 1:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Presenter: Jen Tigno & Reza Noori

Abstract

Can an 8-week positive psychology program impact student’s sense of belonging and increase academic performance? This is the question we will unpack during this session, by exploring the framework, design and delivery of the ArriveUTSC program and the latest research on student belonging. Specifically, we will share analysis of academic performance data along with pre- and post-program assessment results and provide space for generative discussions on the complex nature of student belonging. In addition, participants will get a chance to engage in ArriveUTSC activities to experience first-hand positive psychology in an interactive and fun way.

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As the Team Lead, Academic Supports in the Academic Advising & Career Centre, Jen Tigno oversees a dynamic team of Academic & Learning Strategists who work collectively to enhance student success and retention through the development of high impact programming and services for UTSC students. Having worked in post-secondary education for over 20 years, Jen has expertise in supporting at-risk students and students in transition via program development and evaluation and use of theoretical frameworks and evidence-based practices. Jen endeavors to bring compassion, openness, and a sense of humour to her interactions with students, with the goal of cultivating a supportive and inviting advising experience.

 

 

Reza Noori is an Academic & Learning Strategist at the Academic Advising & Career Centre, and has over 20 years of experience as a dedicated educator in many areas of student services, including program coordination, implementation, facilitation and evaluation, and teaching and training, with special focus on peer tutoring and facilitated study group programs. Through individual appointments, group sessions, and technology-driven approaches, Reza passionately supports students in navigating their academic journeys by equipping them with essential academic and learning skills. His expertise spans advising on program and course matters, interpreting policies, fostering critical thinking, Math & Science study skills, and guiding informed decision-making. As a member of the ArriveUTSC team, he plays a pivotal role in teaching learning skills modules and analyzing data to measure program impact on student success.