We didn’t mean to intrude, but we’re here!
Isabel Carvalho, DirectorAnnMarie Puleo, Assistant Director
Academic Advisement CenterWestern Connecticut State University
Using Proactive Advisement with First Year Students
Proactive Advising with FY Students
I. What is Proactive Advising?
II. How does it effect retention and student success?
III. Proactive Advising in action!
IV. How might Proactive Advising work to enhance current programs and strategies on your campus?
What is Proactive Advisement?
Action oriented and highly impactful advisement model
Increases probability of student success and retention
Fosters deliberate intervention with students
Demonstrates adviser interest & involvement with students
Educates students on institutional culture and policies
Provides intensive advising to all students, especially at-risk students
“You have this problem, here’s what you need”
Proactive Advising & Retention
Nearly 75% of all dropouts leave within the first two years, (Tinto, 1987)
Top predictor variables for persistence are correlated with student perception of their needs, and their perception of whether or not these needs are being met by the institution. (Gillespie & Noble, 1992)
Advising should contribute to students’ learning and success, not merely supply answers to specific questions. It should also contribute to the overall effectiveness of education. (Frost, 1991)
Involvement matters during the first year. How to make that happen for all students, is the complexing question. (Tinto, 2001; Upcraft, Gardner & Barefoot, 2005)
Proactive Advising & Overall Success
Frequent student-faculty contact in and out of classes is the most important factor in student motivation and involvement. (Chickering & Gamson, 1987)
Students respond to direct contact. (Earl, 1987)
Student-faculty interaction represents the most significant aspect of the student’s undergraduate development. (Astin, 1993)
One-third of all college freshmen will not return for the sophomore year. (Earl 2003)
Proactive Advisement Approach
Identify Crisis:
Probationary Meetings
Scheduling Issues
Residence Life Issues
Midterm Grade Reports
Transitional Stress
Respond Proactively:
Be positive & friendly
Find the “silver-lining”
Offer solutions or resolutions
Educate student on policies & options
Teach resiliency & endurance
We Advise, You Decide!
We didn’t mean to intrude…
Gear Up 4 Registration Program Goals:
1. Increase visibility & awareness of AAC on campus
2. Develop connections with students
3. Prepare students for advisement
4. Increase on-time registration
5. Educate students on all facets of registration
We didn’t mean to intrude…
in the Student Center
Fall 2013: Academic Adviser on the Run!!
Increase visibility & availability of AAC
Build connections with students across campus
Provide quick answers to student questions
We didn’t mean to intrude…
in the Residence HallsSpring 2014: Gear Up 4 Registration
Teach students about administrative process
Appreciate students’ experience with campus culture
Provide information to resident students’ unique questions
Build relationships with Residence Hall Director & staff
We didn’t mean to intrude…on Homecoming Week!
Fall 2014: Gear Up 4 Registration Increase visibility & availability of AAC within entire student body
Integrate use of Mascot in program
Use the “Buzz” of Homecoming Week
Develop working sessions and workshops
Create information cards & handouts
Incentivize with raffles, popcorn, priority points
Invite SGA senators to participate
Build upon “Major Discovery” program connect it to “Exploratory Open House”
We didn’t mean to intrude…but we’re HERE!
Spring 2015: Gear Up 4 Registration
Increase visibility & availability of AAC & Enrollment Services Division to entire student body
Incentivize with raffles, popcorn, priority points
Work with WXCI Campus Radio to create and deliver PSA
Support Residence Life programs GROW & FEW
Add Placement Testing date to Gear Up schedule
We didn’t mean to intrude…but we’re HERE!
Fall 2015: Gear Up 4 Registration
WXCI Campus Radio DJ at events
Initiate a “Corn-hole” tournament and games with President Clark
Continue “Major Discovery” session
Further develop “Exploratory Open House”
Add Math & Writing Placement Testing Date for current students
We didn’t mean to intrude…at University Open House!
Fall 2015: Exploratory Open House Goals Provide information for students to take MBTI & SSI Follow up with Exploratory Students Provide scaffolding for their exploration based on
assessment results Invite to attend Open House event Provide interview questions for them to ask department
representatives (career outlook, gpa/course requirements, internship opportunities, etc)
Review outcomes with adviser Create plan of action for Spring registration
We didn’t mean to intrude…but we’re HERE!
Spring 2016: Gear Up 4 Registration Increase Collaboration with Student Financial
Services Create awareness and programming surrounding
FAFSA and University Scholarships Academic Adviser on the Run events Offer & Advertise Math & Writing Placement Test to
current students Visit FY courses regarding Advisement Center services
We didn’t mean to intrude…but we’re HERE!
Gear Up 4 Registration Program Outcomes:
Registration Rates for FY students has improved steadily from 2013- 2015
Logo & event recognition & anticipation
Positive feedback from faculty,
“Students are more informed and educated about advisement and registration now, than they have been in years prior. They make appointments early and are ready to work. Gear Up has definitely made a difference.” Dean, Macricostas School of Arts & Sciences
On-time registration rate increased by 20%
Establish connections with students
Group 2013 - 2014* 2014 - 2015
01 58% 81%
02 77% 84%
03 69% 84%
04 65% 87%
05 66% 88%
06 75% 81%
07 51% 90%
08 -- 80%
09 -- 82%
Total 65% 85%
* 2013- 2014 Registration Groups were larger than 2014- 2015
We didn’t mean to intrude at NACADA……but we’re HERE!
How can you integrate Proactive Advising to support students at your University?
We didn’t mean to intrude…but we’re HERE!
Thank you for attending our session!
Isabel Carvalho, Director AnnMarie Puleo, Assistant [email protected] [email protected]
Academic Advisement CenterWestern Connecticut State University
wcsu.edu/AAC