2023 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Advisors: The Lifeguards of Higher Education
University of West Florida Emerald Coast Campus-Fort Walton Beach
Friday, September 8, 2023
8:00AM-3:00PM
Building 48 Auditorium
Concurrent Session 1
S1O1 Maintaining Your Life Vest: Self-Care and Setting Boundaries as an Academic Advisor
Presenter: Rebecca Helms (Troy University)
Topic Group: Avoiding Rip Currents in Advising - Survive and Thrive!
Abstract: During and after COVID, Academic Advisors have experienced burnout from the long hours, student mental health,
toxic workplace culture, low pay, etc. Practicing self-care can be an advisor’s life vest to stay afloat in the profession. Self-care can range from embracing personal hobbies or meditation to setting boundaries and self-advocacy. This can impact the future of
advising in terms of having more energy to give to advising students and motivation to stay in the field of higher education.
S1O2 START the Second Year Student on the Right Track
Presenters: Autumn Courtney and Cassie Beth Gannaway (University of South Alabama)
Topic Group: Safe Harbor during Rough Seas - Making Advising a Safer Space for All
Abstract: A student’s second year is a very important milestone in their college journey! Second Year Students are no longer new
to the university, but not yet seen as the older, wiser students on campus. We encourage these students to START their second
year on a track that will help them achieve their goals and dreams. We want Second Year Students to Strengthen their
connections with their major home, Transform their goals into actions, and Accomplish academic excellence. We also encourage
them to Recognize their strengths so they can Thrive in change.
S1O3 Beneath the Surface: Decoding the Silent Waves of Student Mental Health Struggles
Presenters: Hannah Oswalt, Keniesha Fields, Natalie Weston, & Sonya Starks (University of South Alabama)
Topic Group: Swim at Your Own Risk: Recognizing and Reading the Flags
Abstract: What lurks just beneath the surface? As students navigate the waters of higher education, they can be pushed and
pulled in different directions. Often students can feel overwhelmed and put so much focus into their academics that they forget
or feel that they cannot prioritize their career development. When this happens, it can leave students feeling like they have
missed the boat. Learn to spot the warning signs for students experiencing career stress and when to refer them to counseling
versus career services. By being proactive and responsive, we can help students navigate to calmer waters and develop an
atmosphere that enables students to excel academically and in their careers.
S1O1 Maintaining Your Life Vest: Self-Care and Setting Boundaries as an Academic Advisor
Presenter: Rebecca Helms (Troy University)
Topic Group: Avoiding Rip Currents in Advising - Survive and Thrive!
Abstract: During and after COVID, Academic Advisors have experienced burnout from the long hours, student mental health,
toxic workplace culture, low pay, etc. Practicing self-care can be an advisor’s life vest to stay afloat in the profession. Self-care can range from embracing personal hobbies or meditation to setting boundaries and self-advocacy. This can impact the future of
advising in terms of having more energy to give to advising students and motivation to stay in the field of higher education.
S1O2 START the Second Year Student on the Right Track
Presenters: Autumn Courtney and Cassie Beth Gannaway (University of South Alabama)
Topic Group: Safe Harbor during Rough Seas - Making Advising a Safer Space for All
Abstract: A student’s second year is a very important milestone in their college journey! Second Year Students are no longer new
to the university, but not yet seen as the older, wiser students on campus. We encourage these students to START their second
year on a track that will help them achieve their goals and dreams. We want Second Year Students to Strengthen their
connections with their major home, Transform their goals into actions, and Accomplish academic excellence. We also encourage
them to Recognize their strengths so they can Thrive in change.
S1O3 Beneath the Surface: Decoding the Silent Waves of Student Mental Health Struggles
Presenters: Hannah Oswalt, Keniesha Fields, Natalie Weston, & Sonya Starks (University of South Alabama)
Topic Group: Swim at Your Own Risk: Recognizing and Reading the Flags
Abstract: What lurks just beneath the surface? As students navigate the waters of higher education, they can be pushed and
pulled in different directions. Often students can feel overwhelmed and put so much focus into their academics that they forget
or feel that they cannot prioritize their career development. When this happens, it can leave students feeling like they have
missed the boat. Learn to spot the warning signs for students experiencing career stress and when to refer them to counseling
versus career services. By being proactive and responsive, we can help students navigate to calmer waters and develop an
atmosphere that enables students to excel academically and in their careers.
Concurrent Session 2
S2O1 Don’t Let Your Students Get Lost at Sea! Building a One-stop Shop of Student Resources with Minimal Upkeep
Presenters: Jenny Feysa and James Dottor (University of West Florida)
Topic Group: Avoiding Rip Currents in Advising - Survive and Thrive!
Abstract: All students need resources and information and they need to know how and where to find them. It is not enough to
have a student choose to attend the institution. Once admitted, they deserve deliberate, valuable follow-through that continues
throughout their academic journey. Many students struggle in college due to inconsistent messaging and information, difficulty
knowing how to navigate the university’s policies and procedures, and even their inability to find information and resources at
all. Strategies for building a one-stop shop of student resources will be discussed. Participants will be able to experience the
process of developing this centralized site, considering key variables, and avoiding pitfalls. The site’s set up and minimal
maintenance will be outlined along with recommendations for organization and various potential platforms and apps.
S2O2 Advising through the Culture Shock
Presenter: Autumn Courtney (University of South Alabama)
Topic Group: Safe Harbor during Rough Seas - Making Advising a Safer Space for All
Abstract: This presentation will focus on why advising an International student could look different than advising a domestic
student. We will look at the stages of culture shock and how they affect the student. For each stage we will look at strategies and
resources we can share to better advise the student and help them have a great first year. We will also look at barriers the
student may face and how we can help them overcome them.
S2O3 Creating Competent Captains of Career Readiness Confidence
Presenters: C. Adam Barnes and Beverly Hendley (University of South Alabama)
Topic Group: Safe Harbor during Rough Seas - Making Advising a Safer Space for All
Abstract: As students leave the safe harbors of high school to embark upon their career-related journey, some may feel
overwhelmed by the chaos and rough seas of solidifying a major or career within their first year. Having career advisors meet
early with incoming first-year students to discuss how to prepare for their academic and career-related goals is an important
part of creating competent captains of career readiness confidence. Providing students a safe space to catch their breath,
explore all of their interests and options, and develop an action plan to navigate rough seas ahead can greatly impact their
career-readiness confidence. At the University of South Alabama, Career Services partners with Academic Advising and Transfer
Services to provide co-advising sessions to incoming exploratory first-year students. Students meet with advising staff from each office individually to receive feedback and guidance for an effective start to their academic career. In these sessions they can share questions, thoughts, or concerns while learning about available resources and services that help them along their journey.
S2O1 Don’t Let Your Students Get Lost at Sea! Building a One-stop Shop of Student Resources with Minimal Upkeep
Presenters: Jenny Feysa and James Dottor (University of West Florida)
Topic Group: Avoiding Rip Currents in Advising - Survive and Thrive!
Abstract: All students need resources and information and they need to know how and where to find them. It is not enough to
have a student choose to attend the institution. Once admitted, they deserve deliberate, valuable follow-through that continues
throughout their academic journey. Many students struggle in college due to inconsistent messaging and information, difficulty
knowing how to navigate the university’s policies and procedures, and even their inability to find information and resources at
all. Strategies for building a one-stop shop of student resources will be discussed. Participants will be able to experience the
process of developing this centralized site, considering key variables, and avoiding pitfalls. The site’s set up and minimal
maintenance will be outlined along with recommendations for organization and various potential platforms and apps.
S2O2 Advising through the Culture Shock
Presenter: Autumn Courtney (University of South Alabama)
Topic Group: Safe Harbor during Rough Seas - Making Advising a Safer Space for All
Abstract: This presentation will focus on why advising an International student could look different than advising a domestic
student. We will look at the stages of culture shock and how they affect the student. For each stage we will look at strategies and
resources we can share to better advise the student and help them have a great first year. We will also look at barriers the
student may face and how we can help them overcome them.
S2O3 Creating Competent Captains of Career Readiness Confidence
Presenters: C. Adam Barnes and Beverly Hendley (University of South Alabama)
Topic Group: Safe Harbor during Rough Seas - Making Advising a Safer Space for All
Abstract: As students leave the safe harbors of high school to embark upon their career-related journey, some may feel
overwhelmed by the chaos and rough seas of solidifying a major or career within their first year. Having career advisors meet
early with incoming first-year students to discuss how to prepare for their academic and career-related goals is an important
part of creating competent captains of career readiness confidence. Providing students a safe space to catch their breath,
explore all of their interests and options, and develop an action plan to navigate rough seas ahead can greatly impact their
career-readiness confidence. At the University of South Alabama, Career Services partners with Academic Advising and Transfer
Services to provide co-advising sessions to incoming exploratory first-year students. Students meet with advising staff from each office individually to receive feedback and guidance for an effective start to their academic career. In these sessions they can share questions, thoughts, or concerns while learning about available resources and services that help them along their journey.
Concurrent Session 3
S3O1 I Walk the Line: Communication Strategies for Effective Student Advocacy in Academic Advising
Presenters: Jenny Feysa and Chasity Manning (University of West Florida)
Topic Group: Avoiding Rip Currents in Advising - Survive and Thrive!
Abstract: Effective communication strategies are essential to success in academic advising. Academic advisors find themselves
crafting important communications affecting students’ lives daily. Advisors are often the first to become aware of student issues
and know the most important details related to sensitive situations. Strategies for effectively crafting communications to
decision makers, students, faculty, and staff will be discussed. Particular attention will be paid to crafting written communication
to campus leaders and decision makers with the goal of advocating for students. Insightful information from interviews with
various campus decision makers and leaders will be shared, and actionable strategies will be provided. Potential issues related to
documentation, FERPA, and HIPPA will be addressed.
S3O2 I Wasn’t Born an Advisor, but Became One Anyway!
Presenter: Jonathan Hovell (University of West Florida)
Topic Group: Avoiding Rip Currents in Advising - Survive and Thrive!
Abstract: Doctors go to medical school to learn medicine with other doctors. Lawyers go to law school to learn the law with
other lawyers. What do advisors do? In this presentation, participants will learn about the various careers I have had in the past
and how each experience has helped to strengthen and enhance the core values of my personal advising pedagogy. Participants
will also have the opportunity to think introspectively about their advising identity and to share details about the unique
journeys that led participants to the world of professional advising. After taking part in this session, participants will have a
greater understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of academic advising, the impact of past experience on NACADA core
competencies, and each other’s personal journey to the profession.
S3O3 Deep Diving into Difficult Conversations with Academic Coaching
Presenters: Carson Wood, Bria Cox, and Colton Cuevas (University of South Alabama)
Topic Group: Swim at Your Own Risk: Recognizing and Reading the Flags
Abstract: As Academic Advisors, we have difficult conversations everyday. Whether it be about navigating academic success,
competitive pre-professional programs, or major exploration, sometimes diving into those conversations can be challenging and
daunting. To counteract negative thoughts, the advisors at the University of South Alabama have implemented Academic
Coaching strategies into our meetings with probation, pre-professional, and exploratory students. Academic Coaching is a
one-on-one process that helps students reflect on their academic journey, recognize potential barriers to their success and
adjust their approach to reach their destination. This process is anchored in Cognitive Behavioral Theory and focuses on
changing automatic thoughts to intentional and creating new neural pathways to challenge those automatic thoughts. This gives
advisors tools to guide students to deeper thinking by asking open ended questions and creating thought models. This
presentation will provide insight into those difficult conversations and how we use coaching with students. We will also do a
sample thought model exercise for other advisors to experience.
S3O1 I Walk the Line: Communication Strategies for Effective Student Advocacy in Academic Advising
Presenters: Jenny Feysa and Chasity Manning (University of West Florida)
Topic Group: Avoiding Rip Currents in Advising - Survive and Thrive!
Abstract: Effective communication strategies are essential to success in academic advising. Academic advisors find themselves
crafting important communications affecting students’ lives daily. Advisors are often the first to become aware of student issues
and know the most important details related to sensitive situations. Strategies for effectively crafting communications to
decision makers, students, faculty, and staff will be discussed. Particular attention will be paid to crafting written communication
to campus leaders and decision makers with the goal of advocating for students. Insightful information from interviews with
various campus decision makers and leaders will be shared, and actionable strategies will be provided. Potential issues related to
documentation, FERPA, and HIPPA will be addressed.
S3O2 I Wasn’t Born an Advisor, but Became One Anyway!
Presenter: Jonathan Hovell (University of West Florida)
Topic Group: Avoiding Rip Currents in Advising - Survive and Thrive!
Abstract: Doctors go to medical school to learn medicine with other doctors. Lawyers go to law school to learn the law with
other lawyers. What do advisors do? In this presentation, participants will learn about the various careers I have had in the past
and how each experience has helped to strengthen and enhance the core values of my personal advising pedagogy. Participants
will also have the opportunity to think introspectively about their advising identity and to share details about the unique
journeys that led participants to the world of professional advising. After taking part in this session, participants will have a
greater understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of academic advising, the impact of past experience on NACADA core
competencies, and each other’s personal journey to the profession.
S3O3 Deep Diving into Difficult Conversations with Academic Coaching
Presenters: Carson Wood, Bria Cox, and Colton Cuevas (University of South Alabama)
Topic Group: Swim at Your Own Risk: Recognizing and Reading the Flags
Abstract: As Academic Advisors, we have difficult conversations everyday. Whether it be about navigating academic success,
competitive pre-professional programs, or major exploration, sometimes diving into those conversations can be challenging and
daunting. To counteract negative thoughts, the advisors at the University of South Alabama have implemented Academic
Coaching strategies into our meetings with probation, pre-professional, and exploratory students. Academic Coaching is a
one-on-one process that helps students reflect on their academic journey, recognize potential barriers to their success and
adjust their approach to reach their destination. This process is anchored in Cognitive Behavioral Theory and focuses on
changing automatic thoughts to intentional and creating new neural pathways to challenge those automatic thoughts. This gives
advisors tools to guide students to deeper thinking by asking open ended questions and creating thought models. This
presentation will provide insight into those difficult conversations and how we use coaching with students. We will also do a
sample thought model exercise for other advisors to experience.