P1: Bricks, Mortar, and Excel Macros: Designing Advising Systems with Purpose
8-11 a.m. | Cost: $70
Corinne Cook | University of Cincinnati
Emma Hage | University of Cincinnati
Finding time to develop administrative and technology skills is challenging but essential for academic advisors and student success professionals. Mastering technology empowers advisors to streamline processes, increase efficiency, and refocus time on meaningful student interactions. This session offers a practical introduction to using Microsoft Excel to manage and integrate data effectively, equipping advisors with tools to improve their workflows.
In this interactive workshop, two former academic advisors - now in technology-focused roles - will share strategies for identifying challenges, brainstorming solutions, and using Excel to solve common data management problems. Participants will engage with a relevant data integration case study using sample data, gaining hands-on experience with essential Excel features like formulas, data manipulation, and macros. We'll demonstrate how to automate tasks, manage multiple data sources, and use logical functions to support advising efforts.
Designed for all skill levels, this session offers practical tools for advisors - from Excel basics to advanced tips on automating processes. We'll also introduce how ChatGPT can assist with writing functions and Macros, helping participants save time and enhance productivity. Participants should bring their laptops for an engaging, hands-on experience. Advisors from Google-based campuses are welcome but should be aware that some Excel features may differ from Google Sheets.
By the end of the session, participants will have increased confidence using Excel to streamline administrative tasks and free up time for student-centered work, leaving with practical solutions they can immediately apply to their daily responsibilities.
P2: Flip Your Advising: Improve Your Ability to Make Advising/Tutoring a Teaching and Learning Activity
8-11 a.m. | Cost: $70
George Steele | The Ohio State University
Do you want your students to come to your advising session better prepared? Why don't you use a Learning Management System (LMS) or an e-portfolio and adopt a blended teaching and learning approach for advising? This session will help you achieve this by addressing 1) the use of learning outcomes, 2) Internet advising resources, 3) the development of an advising curriculum, 4) consideration of the implication for delivery and practice of a flipped advising approach, 5) and how this approach can improve the evaluation of students' learning and assist with program assessment. Participants will have access to the LMS used in the presentation for up to six months for future reference and access to resources. The relationship between a flipped advising approach and NACADA's Concept of Advising will be highlighted throughout the presentation.
P3: Rebuilding the Mid-Career Practitioner: Creating a Sustainable Advising Profession
8-11 a.m. | Cost: $70
Gavin Farber | The College of New Jersey
Michael "Brody" Broshears | Illinois State University
Diana "Di" Dingman | Indiana University-Bloomington
Leah Frierson | University of Cincinnati
Mark Hurley | Indiana University-Bloomington
Andrew Murray | Michigan State University
Rebecca "Becky" Ryan | University of Wisconsin-Madison
Allison "Alli" Scully | University of Toronto
Leonor Wangensteen | University of Notre Dame
In higher education, mid-level practitioners face challenges that affect them both personally and professionally. Some advisors seek advancement to the top, while others are happy in their roles as "helping professionals". When promotions are unavailable to this group, it can be difficult to find appreciation in their jobs. In reality, when a vertical path is unavailable at an institution, it could be horizontal movements that afford the best opportunities for aiding in professional development. Join the conversation to learn how you can forge a rich, rewarding career independent of the conventional "climbing the ladder" approach and can engage in your own #HorizontalBranding on and off campus. Join us in this three hour pre-conference session that will include (1) review of the topic, (2) networking with fellow mid-level advisors (3) panel discussion from industry leaders and (4) career success planning to overcome your struggles and conquer your doubts!
P4: Maximize Your NACADA Membership and Your Conference Experience
11 a.m.-noon | Cost: free, registration required
All participants are invited to discover the opportunities to maximize their membership experience. Through activity and discussion, attendees will learn more about the resources and leadership opportunities available within NACADA and the divisions that make up the association's structure.
In this session, participants will acquire ideas for making the most of their conference experience. NACADA leaders will help guide the conversation to inform all participants of the numerous pathways available to take full advantage of their NACADA membership. Join the discussion to discover how you'll get the most out of your NACADA experience and network with colleagues.
First-Timers Orientation and Networking Luncheon
noon-1:30 p.m. | Cost: $50
For this special event, we have designed a short presentation, followed by some guided networking activities for our first-time attendees while they enjoy lunch with their colleagues before the opening session and keynote.