Cindy Fruhwirth
	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, WI
	Platform Statement: Highlight your previous involvement within this unit that will help you in leading this unit.  What roles have you played within this particular unit as a member thus far?

Member of Peer Advising & Mentoring Interest Group for several years before it was awarded Commission status this year.

• Presented nationally, regionally, and at the state conference 5 times on peer advising topics (see below for specific listings). Many advisors have contacted me about adopting ideas/materials from these presentations for their own programs.
• Attended commission meetings at national and regional conferences; and participate in list serve.

What do you believe are the most important goals and initiatives for this unit in meeting the strategic plan for both the unit and the Association?

There is a burgeoning interest in peer advising and mentoring, especially as campuses face budget cuts and need to find ways to help students more efficiently. Since there is no limit to the way peer advisors and peer mentors can be used on a campus, the most important goals and initiatives for this commission should include:

• Providing resources for campuses to implement and improve their program(s)
• Making resources/tools readily available via the NACADA web site (such as sample application, evaluation, and training materials)
• Addressing the needs for all types of models (for example: peer advising programs AND peer mentoring programs; paid positions AND volunteer models; generalist AND specialist models)Helping campuses identify the learning outcomes for their peer advisors/mentors
• Updating the Peer Advising Programs on the NACADA Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources

Why are you interested in serving in this leadership position or what influenced you to run for this leadership position? 

I have a passion for peer support on campuses - they benefit both students and advisors greatly on our campus! I was the chair of the committee that developed our peer advising program from scratch in 2004, and am currently the Assistant Director of our Peer Advising Liaison (PAL) program. In the past, I ran a Peer Mentoring program for the College of Business on our campus from 2002- 2004. I have gained a great deal of knowledge over the years both from researching existing models, programs, and materials; and from my own experiences with both types of peer support (advising and mentoring).

Although peer support is much more common on campuses today than it was even five years ago, there are still many campuses beginning to develop programs, or exploring new ways to use peer advising/mentoring to reach their goals of better service to students, retention, etc. Since NACADA is the most trusted source of advising information, I believe we should also be an excellent source for Peer Advising & Mentoring information. I gleaned most of the information I needed for our campus programs from presenters at NACADA conferences. Although information exists in other NACADA resources (the Peer Advising Monograph, the Clearinghouse, etc.), I would like to lead this commission in the expansion of knowledge/ideas/materials to become a comprehensive resource for everyone.

Provide any additional comments or information (either personal or leadership-related) that you want potential voters to know about you that is not covered elsewhere in your platform information. 

I am an action-orientated, organized person who enjoys new challenges and will work hard to serve this commission.

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 6 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

Regional Activities/Offices Held, including accomplishments achieved while in office:

• Presented at 2008 NACADA Region 5 Conference, Grand Rapids, MI: Journey to Successful Peer Advising...which Impacts the Student Experience
• Attended 2007 NACADA Region 5 Conference, Milwaukee, WI
• Attended 2003 NACADA Region 5 Conference, Madison, WI
• WACADA activities:
  • Member, WACADA Awards Selection Committee, 2008
  • Awarded WACADA Advising Excellence Award 2007
  • Presented at 2007 WACADA Conference, River Falls, WI: Got Peer Advising? Building a Successful Peer Advising Program to be Part of the Whole Student Experience, with Erin Finnel
  • Presented at 2004 WACADA Conference, Green Bay, WI: Take the Leap! Developing a Peer Advising Program, with Erin Finnel

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current member:  Peer Advising & Mentoring Commission
  • Presented nationally, regionally, and at state conference 5 times on peer advising topics (see above and below for specific listings).
  • Attend commission meetings at national and regional conferences; and participate in list serve.
• Current member: Undecided/Exploratory Students Commission, Advising Business Majors Commission, First-Year Students Interest Group

Other:

• NACADA activities and honors:
  • Awarded NACADA Outstanding Advising 2008 Certificate of Merit
  • Presented at 2008 NACADA Annual Conference, Chicago, IL: Building a Peer Advising Program that Soars! and Take your Training, Teaching, and Group Advising to New Heights with Interactive Techniques (Commission Sponsored)
  • Presented at 2005 NACADA Annual Conference in Las Vegas, NV: Take the Leap! Developing a Peer Advising Program
  • Attended 2003 NACADA Annual Conference in Dallas, TX
• Presented at 2007 WACRAO conference in Egg Harbor, WI: It takes a Village, with Jackie Bollinger, Lisa Danielson
• Attended 2008 First Year Experience Annual Conference in San Francisco, CA
• Attended 2007 OPID (UW System Office of Professional and Instructional Development) Conference, Partnering for Student Success in the First Year: Learning About Learning, in Madison, WI
• Attended 2004 UW Academic Staff Leadership Conference in Menominee, WI