Advising First-Generation Students

$450 NACADA and COE members
$650 non-members

Advising First-Generation Students eTutorial is the first of it kind professional development opportunity between two associations. Developed and facilitated by NACADA and the Council for Opportunity in Education, this eTutorial aims to help participants better understand First-Generation College Students (FGCS) issues and challenges and help them deliver higher-quality academic advising to this special population.

[All content is self-contained within the eTutorial. No additional materials are required.]

What you'll learn:

  • Participants will be able explain the historical context of first-generation college students and the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE).

  • Participants will identify the defining characteristics of first-generation college students to gain insights into their strengths and opportunities for growth. 

  • Participants will develop a list of campus or organizational resources that support first-generation college students’ success. 

  • Participants will apply culturally responsive advising techniques to normalize help-seeking behaviors when working with first-generation college students.

  • Participants will create a [cross-campus, cross-functional] plan to build or expand their advising networks to support the needs of their advisees' needs, emphasizing the unique needs of first-generation college students.

  • Participants will be abel to promote an inclusive learning environment by articulating the issues and strategies to support first-generation college students at their institutions.

Who this is for:

  • New advising professionals
  • New TRIO Staff 
  • Those who are new to advising this population group

About this eTutorial:

This eTutorial introduces a variety of readings and case studies about FGCS that participants will use to compare and contrast their personal practice with and how their institution delivers advising services to them. The eTutorial aims to help participants become better aware of the issues and challenges this special population of students faces attending higher education. By becoming more aware of FGCS characteristics, participants will identify how they can improve their personal advising practices and assist their institutions in improving programmatic advising design and delivery.

eTutorials are asynchronous courses, not self-paced courses. Participants can log in at any time, but the eTutorials have weekly assignment due dates. Participants will need to log in at least weekly to review the eTutorial's content and submit any assignments that are due.

May 2025 Icon

May 2025

May 7 - June 1

August 2025 Icon

August 2025

August 6 - 31

November 2025 Icon

November 2025

November 5 - December 9

Format

Participants will complete in-depth readings, post replies to discussion boards, and complete quizzes and other assignments. Participants can work at their own pace within each week. There will be weekly assignments but no set time to be online. Participants will have the entire week to complete that week's content, which could be completed in several days or done during the week as their schedule allows. By offering this information in an online format, participants are provided a learning opportunity that can be accessed either in their own home or office, and at a time of day that works best for their schedules. Assignments, including discussion posts, quizzes, and readings will be required each week.

The eTutorial is 3.5 (3 1/2) weeks in length. Participants should expect to spend between 3 - 5 hours per week completing the reading, posts, and assignments.

This eTutorial is structured in a manner that allows the participants to develop an international network through interaction with other members of their cohort through virtual chat rooms and discussion boards.

Facilitators

Facilitators will be assigned to assist those taking the eTutorial by posing questions for discussion, sharing successful practices, and answering questions. Facilitators will grade all discussion boards and assignments, providing feedback on work completed.

Assessment

Each week will include an assessment component including questions covering material and participation in topical discussions.

Completion

Upon successful completion (80% or better within the eTutorial) of all 3.5 weeks, the participant will receive a NACADA microcredential. This will include a digital badge through the badging platform Credly which can be utlized in email signatures, LinkedIn, and other applications.

Computer Specifications

Canvas and its hosting infrastructure are designed for maximum compatibility and minimal requirements.

Visit the Instructure Community Page for current browser and computer requirements.

Transfer Policy

A transfer of registration fees to a future offering of any eTutorial offering may be made via request in writing and mailed or emailed (nacada@ksu.edu) to NACADA.

The request must be received three (3) business days (Central US time) prior to the start of the eTutorial offering. There is no charge providing the written request is received three business days in advance:

  • Transfer fee – $0.00 USD*

Requests made after three (3) business days and through four (4) business days into the eTutorial offering will incur the following charge:

  • Transfer fee – $100.00 USD

*If registration fees have been transferred at least once before, any future transfer fee is $100.00 USD, at any date.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation of registration fees for an eTutorial offering can be made via request in writing and mailed or emailed (nacada@ksu.edu) to NACADA. Cancellations after certain dates will incur charges:

Any date ten (10) business days prior to the start of the eTutorial offering:

  • Refund of the registration fee minus $50.00 USD for administrative fees

Any date between three (3) and ten (10) business days prior to the start of the eTutorial offering:

  • Refund of the registration fee minus 50% for administrative fees

Any date after three (3) business days prior to the start of the eTutorial offering:

  • No Refund, due to faculty and technology obligations
All
General
Policies
Technical Questions
What is an eTutorial?

An eTutorial is 3.5 week learning experience. Generally starting on the first Wednesday of the month and concludes on a Saturday 3.5 weeks later. Participants will have learning opportunities with their peers and experts in the filled. Additionally participants will read and watch curated content on specific topic.

Are eTutorials self-paced?

No, eTutorials are asynchronous, not self-paced. Participants can log in at any time, but the eTutorials have weekly assignment due dates. So, participants will need to log in at least weekly to review the eTutorial's content and submit any assignments that are due.

Do I need to buy a book?

It depends. The following eTutorials require the purchase of a book:

  • Advisor Training and Development: Foundations

  • Advisor Training and Development: Advanced

  • Advising LGBTQ+ Students

All other eTutorials' content are self-contained within the Canvas LMS.

Do I have to login at a specific time?

No. But... the eTutorials do have weekly assignment due dates. So participants will need to login at least weekly in order to review the content of the eTutorial and submit any assignments that are due.

How do I earn a microcredential?

Upon successful completion (80% or better within the eTutorial) of all 3.5 weeks, the participant will receive a NACADA microcredential. This will include a digital badge through the badging platform Credly, which can be utilized in email signatures, LinkedIn, and other applications.

Are there facilitators?

Yes, facilitators will be assigned to each section of an eTutorial. Facilitators are there to assist those taking the eTutorial by posing questions for discussion, sharing successful practices, and answering questions. Facilitators will grade all discussion boards and assignments, providing feedback on work completed.

What is the format of the eTutorials?

Participants will complete in-depth readings, post replies to discussion boards, and complete quizzes and other assignments. Participants can work at their own pace each week. There will be weekly assignments but no set time to be online. Participants will have the entire week to complete that week's content, which could be completed in several days or during the week as their schedule allows. By offering this information online, participants are provided a learning opportunity that can be accessed in their home or office and at a time that works best for their schedules. Assignments, including discussion posts, quizzes, and readings, will be required each week.

eTutorials are 3.5 (3 1/2) weeks in length. Participants should expect to spend between four and eight hours per week completing the reading, posts, and assignments.

This eTutorial is structured to allow the participants to develop an international network through interaction with other cohort members through Zoom-based office hours and discussion boards.

How much time/work is expected each week?

Participants should expect to spend between four-eight hours per week completing the reading/videos, posts, and assignments.

What is the transfer policy?

A transfer of registration fees to a future offering of any eTutorial offering may be made via request in writing and mailed or emailed (nacada@ksu.edu) to NACADA.

The request must be received three (3) business days (Central US time) prior to the start of the eTutorial offering. There is no charge providing the written request is received three business days in advance:

  • Transfer fee – $0.00 USD*

Requests made after three (3) business days and through four (4) business days into the eTutorial offering will incur the following charge:

  • Transfer fee – $100.00 USD

*If registration fees have been transferred at least once before, any future transfer fee is $100.00 USD, at any date.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation of registration fees for an eTutorial offering can be made via request in writing and mailed or emailed (nacada@ksu.edu) to NACADA. Cancellations after certain dates will incur charges:

Any date ten (10) business days prior to the start of the eTutorial offering:

  • Refund of the registration fee minus $50.00 USD for administrative fees

Any date between three (3) and ten (10) business days prior to the start of the eTutorial offering:

  • Refund of the registration fee minus 50% for administrative fees

Any date after three (3) business days prior to the start of the eTutorial offering:

  • No Refund, due to faculty and technology obligations
When will I get my login information?

You will receive your login information 1-2 business days prior to the start of the eTutorial. FYI, the login credentials are different than your myNACADA login information. If you have any trouble logging in, please email Eilsa Shaffer at elshaffer@ksu.edu.

Where are eTutorials hosted? Where do I login?

eTutorials are hosted in NACADA's Canvas LMS at https://nacada.instructure.com/. You will need to utilize the login information provided to you.

What are the computer specifications that I need to access the eTutorial?

Canvas and its hosting infrastructure are designed for maximum compatibility and minimal requirements.

Visit the Instructure Community Page for current browser and computer requirements.