OKState Advisor Conference
Conference registration
February 7, 2025
The Next Chapter, Celebrating New Futures, will be on Friday, February 7, from 8 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Sessions will be on the second and fourth floors of the Student Union. This conference brings together advisors and professionals to explore new ideas, share
best practices, and shape the future of student success.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to:
- Engage in thought-provoking sessions.
- Network with fellow professionals.
- Discover innovative strategies to enhance your advising practices.
Registration closes on January 13, 2025
Conference committee
- Brie Bradshaw and Twambi Kerstetter - Conference Co-chairs
- Ren Barragan Horta - Volunteer Chair
- Susan Malec - Wellness and Hospitality Chair
- Caleigh Shaw - Service Project Chair
- Ashleigh Snell - Communications and Proposal Chair
Keynote speaker: Dr. Valerie J. Thompson
Valerie J. Thompson, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Intervention Services & Leadership in Education (ISLE) Department at Wichita State University. Specifically, she coordinates and teaches within the Higher Education Leadership Graduate Certificate program and the Higher Education/Student Affairs program track. Additionally, Dr. Thompson has 16 years of student affairs experience and is one of the co-creators/co-hosts of BLK Womyn Podcast (Higher Education-Student Affairs Podcast), which centers on the lived experiences of Black Womyn within Higher Education. Thompson’s research interests center on Black women student affairs professionals and burnout, compassion fatigue, intersectionality, (race and gendered) stress and (race and gendered) fatigue.
She recently co-edited a book titled, "Differentiated Academic Advising Strategies for Students Beyond the Margins," through Lexington Books, available on Amazon for purchase!
Additionally, Thompson has published several pieces that explore the lived realities of Black women and other women of color, such as Thompson, V.J. (2023). "Politics, Identity, Faith, and the Academic Hazing of a Black Woman: A Scholarly Personal Narrative of a Black Woman Doctoral Student," Thompson, V. J. (2023).
"The Emotional, Mental and Physical Implications of Teaching Diversity Courses for Women of Color Faculty." In the Journal of Student Affairs at Colorado State University. 30TH Edition, Volume 81. pages 81-96, and Thompson. V.J, Coles, D.C. (2023). "Strange Fruit: The Collective Crushing of Black Women in Academe." In Lopez, A.E., Jean-Marie, G., Tran, H. (Eds.). "Leadership in Turbulent Times: Cultivating Diversity and Inclusion in the Higher Education Workplace." United Kingdom: Emerald Publishing Limited.
| Time | Presentation Title/Subject or Activity | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 a.m. | Registration, Coffee Bar, Light Breakfast | |
| 8:45-8:50 a.m. | Introduce members of OKState Advising Network | |
| 9 a.m. | Keynote speaker | Dr. Valerie J. Thompson |
| 9:45-10 a.m. | Break | |
| 10 a.m. | Welcome from Academic Affairs | Dr. Jeanette Mendez, OSU Provost and Senior Vice President |
| 10:05 a.m. | General education update - Trails | Melissa Cooper, Dr. Chris Francisco, Dr. Tammy Mix, Blake Myers |
| 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. | Lunch |
| Time | Presentation Title/Subject or Activity | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-1:30 p.m. | Breakout session 1 | See list below |
| 1:45-2:30 p.m. | Breakout session 2 | See list below |
| 2:45-3:15 p.m. | Breakout session 3 | See list below |
| 3:45-4 p.m. | Closing session with door prizes and Best of OSU award |
| Presentation Title/Subject | Speaker(s) | Abstract |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness at Work: Fuel, Focus, and Fitness on the Clock | Taylor Bailey | Join the Department of Wellness as we explore practical ways to develop and maintain a healthier lifestyle while on the clock while putting some of those skills into practice. This interactive workshop will cover basic nutrition practices to keep you fed and fueled, mental health techniques to encourage stress reduction, and will get you up and moving with exercises you can incorporate into your regular workday. |
| Burnt out from the beginning: Navigating the seasons of advising as a neurodivergent advisor | Brie Bradshaw | Professionals within higher education face a large workload throughout the academic year. Professional staff with neurodivergence (disclosed or not) can face additional workloads in their daily tasks that are masked and not often noticed. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the lack of research focused on neurodivergent professionals rather than students. How can research directed to Neurodivergent staff members provide benefits across all employees? This presentation aims to inform participants of the hidden workload and how supporting staff can positively impact student advising experiences. |
| Degree Works for New Advisors | Tiegan Willoughby | Are you a new advisor eager to master Degree Works? Join an Application Administrator from the Office of the Registrar for a detailed and accessible walkthrough of the Degree Works Dashboard. This session will start by explaining why OSU uses Degree Works, its integration with Banner, and how you can utilize both regular and "what-if" audits. We’ll cover common questions and issues that arise, such as missing courses, incorrect blocks, and course movement. You’ll also get some information about the Degree Works team and graduation certification specialists, ensuring you know the right person to contact for support. The session will conclude with an open Q&A, welcoming all types of questions, from general inquiries to specific scenarios. |
| Send In The Secondary: Academic Services for Student-Athletes | Jonene Cook, Chantelle Quick, Kendall Treece Vessels | Academic Services for Student-Athletes (ASSA) encourages students to positively represent
themselves, their teams, and the university to the best of their abilities in the
classroom, throughout competition, and within their personal and professional lives.
In this presentation, ASSA provides a synopsis of working with student-athletes in
academic settings. First, we describe some of the daily commitments student-athletes
encounter and explain the structure of our unit. We discuss our roles and interactions
with them on multiple levels, such as helping them understand their academic programs
and degree paths while navigating their responsibilities under the university and
NCAA guidelines.
With over 500 students across 81 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, we strive
to have working partnerships in all parts of campus to provide accountability and
support in our student-athletes' individualized paths to success. Our session concludes
by answering questions about the roles, responsibilities, challenges, and successes
within ASSA.
|
| Slate Updates with Q&A | Betsey Weaver and David Marriott | Brief presentation of newest features, updates, and added departments. Answer pre-submitted questions, and live audience questions as time allows. |
| Army ROTC Planned Academic Worksheet for scholarship and non-scholarship ROTC cadets | Dustin Gabbert | ROTC cadets must contract with the Army to receive the financial benefits of ROTC. The contracting packet includes the CC Form 104-R Planned Academic Worksheet that lists all the classes the cadet will take from their contracting semester through graduation. Cadets must work collaboratively with their academic advisors to complete this form. |
| Two to Tango: Collaborative Advising for Successful Study Abroad and Away (SA/A) Student Experiences. | Mary Daniels and Judy Parrott | The Center for Global Learning advisors will present the various formats and benefits of Study Abroad and Away (SA/A) in addition to the collaborative advising that is necessary to ensure students are able to take advantage of SA/A programs while at OSU. SA/A programs are available from freshman through senior year and are one of the best tools students can use toward their Ideal Graduate portfolio. Beneficial advising information will be provided regarding the steps that first-year and college advisors will take when helping students plan their SA/A programs. It is a holistic approach that includes information for the initial meeting all the way through the final step of transcripts posting. |
| Presentation Title/Subject | Speaker(s) | Abstract |
|---|---|---|
| Still Here - Indigenous Student Development and Identity | Colton Holmes | In recent years, higher education institutions have adapted their practices to be more inclusive and welcoming. However, this perceived inclusivity is not all-encompassing, and unfortunately, some student groups are still being underrepresented and unsupported on campuses. One of these marginalized groups is Indigenous (American Indian, Native American, First Nations, First Americans) students and the reason for their underrepresentation is due to the lack of unique support, understanding, and visibility they require. When support resources reflect Indigenous culture and ideologies it increases Indigenous student success and visibility within the institution. This session will provide a base foundation on how those support resources can take shape while giving participants an education on the history of Indigenous people in Oklahoma, the development of Indigenous student identity, and the relationship between Indigenous people and educational institutions. |
| Whisking Together Ideas: Baking an Advising Philosophy | Kristen Queen | The goal of this session is to guide participants through the process of developing a personal advising philosophy, using the metaphor of baking to illustrate each step. Just as a successful recipe requires thoughtful preparation, the right ingredients, and precise technique, crafting an advising philosophy involves blending professional values, experiences, and guiding principles. |
| Finding Student Growth Zones | Joshua Taylor and Tashia Cheves | This presentation explores the application of Vygotsky’s Zones of Proximal Development (ZPD) to leadership learning, offering a new framework to guide students’ development. By adapting ZPD, this research identifies three key zones: the “growth zone,” where students can thrive with appropriate guidance; the “panic zone,” where challenges may overwhelm learners; and the “comfort zone,” where growth stagnates. The framework emphasizes how educators and advisors can strategically foster students' learning by targeting the growth zone while avoiding the panic zone, thus promoting optimal learning. Through this model, advisors can foster supportive learning environments and create an empathetic culture of growth. |
| Empowering Student Success: Daniel Pink’s Motivation Principles in Academic Advising | Yokolanda Speight and Mili Jha | This presentation explores Daniel Pink's motivational framework, which challenges traditional approaches by emphasizing intrinsic motivation. We will discuss how academic advisors can enhance student engagement by fostering autonomy, mastery, and purpose. We will discuss practical strategies to empower students to take ownership of their academic journeys, recognize their continuous progress, and connect their educational efforts to meaningful, long-term goals. By incorporating Pink’s principles, we aim to highlight how motivation creates a fulfilling environment that encourages holistic student success. The session will include real-world examples, interactive discussions, and actionable takeaways for immediate application. |
| Equipping Students to Ethically Engage with AI in Higher Education | Ashleigh Snell | As AI-driven tools like ChatGPT become increasingly prevalent in higher education, students have gained access to new opportunities for assistance with academic tasks. However, the use of such tools raises significant questions about academic integrity, ethical responsibility, and the proper boundaries for AI assistance. This session will provide academic advisors and educators with strategies to guide students on how to effectively and ethically use AI-driven tools without compromising their learning or violating institutional policies. |
| Manage Implicit Bias Using Open-Ended Questions | Amy Martindale, Breana Kambs, Sarah Mutschelknaus, Ulli Schoenknecht | Implicit Bias influences human behavior in all settings, including academic advising. We all hold biases about social groups, individuals, academic disciplines, and more. We can unintentionally direct students differently due to our bias. For experienced advisors, it is easy to believe we know the best solutions for our students' dilemmas. Using open-ended questions in our everyday conversations with students can help put THEM in the driver's seat of their lives. We will review the premise of implicit bias and then practice using open-ended questions in typical advising scenarios. The takeaway is a list of open-ended questions you can incorporate in your advising to mitigate bias and let students take control of their journeys. |
| Navigating the Advising Landscape: Professional Insights and Opportunities | Kristal Junkens, Twambi Kerstetter, Mary Francis, Shawn Rose | Join this interactive panel featuring representatives from NACADA, OACADA, and the OKState Advising Network to explore the vital role professional organizations play in the advising field. Designed to address attendee-submitted questions, this session offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with organizational leaders. Panelists will provide an overview of their missions, resources, and key initiatives while offering insights into how their networks support advising professionals at various stages of their careers. Whether you're curious about professional development, collaboration opportunities, or strategies to enhance student success, this panel is your chance to connect, learn, and gain actionable knowledge. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of how these organizations can help shape your advising journey. |
| Presentation Title/Subject | Speaker(s) | Abstract |
|---|---|---|
| Keep the Change, Ya Filthy Animal: Using Humor and Self-Care to Accept the Inevitable | Christy Beem |
"The only thing constant is change." -Heraclitus of Ephesus
"Nothing is certain except death and taxes." -Benjamin Franklin
"Change is inevitable, growth is optional." -John C. Maxwell
These are just a few quotes about the inescapability of change. Since change is going
to happen at work, it is important to teach academic advisors to accept change, commit
to the process, and practice self-care. Research has shown that acceptance of change
is necessary to process difficult emotions and experiences. The last year at OSU has
been full of change and difficult experiences, using evidence-based self-care practices
and humor, advisors can learn practical and fun tips to improve our community of advising
and increase a sense of acceptance, joy, and commitment toward crafting a new future
together.
|
| Empowering Academic Success: A Collaborative Framework for Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities | Olivia Long | As the population of students with learning disabilities in higher education continues to grow, academic advisors play a crucial role in facilitating their success. This session, presented by the LASSO Center, will provide academic advisors with evidence-based strategies and practical tools for supporting students with learning disabilities throughout their college journey. This session will drive to promote awareness of at-risk students as well. Drawing from the LASSO Center's extensive experience in academic coaching and tutoring services, we will explore effective advising approaches and collaborative support networks. Participants will learn how to partner with the LASSO Center and other campus resources to develop individualized academic plans, implement time management strategies, and promote self-advocacy skills. Through real-world examples from LASSO's tutoring center, advisors will gain confidence in addressing diverse learning needs while fostering an inclusive academic environment. This collaborative approach between the LASSO Center and academic advisors will enhance student retention, academic performance, and overall success. |
| OSU Portfolio Overview: How to Support Students Use through Advising | Taylor Harbuck and Ashley Moss | This session will delve into the OSU Portfolio, highlighting how advisors can promote and facilitate its use among students through academic advising. Advisors play a crucial role in fostering student engagement and development. This session will offer strategies for advisors to assist students in utilizing the OSU Portfolio throughout their college journey. |
| Advisor's Guide to Library Gems | Chris Rosser | Discover how OSU Library can empower academic advisors with essential tools and resources to enhance student success. This session will showcase a variety of library services tailored to meet the needs of advisors, including research support, instructional materials, and access to specialized databases. Attendees will learn how to leverage these resources to guide students in academic planning, foster critical thinking, and support their academic journey. The presentation will also highlight collaborative opportunities between advisors and library staff to address unique student challenges, ensuring equitable access to information and support. Join us to explore how OSU Library can be a valuable partner in advising and helping you craft new futures for students. |
| Student Support Programs and Initiatives at OSU | Matt Williams, Brian Blevins, Vince Rivera |
The Student Support team in Campus Life offers various programs and initiatives geared
toward students with particular lived experiences and identities. These programs focus
on students who: are first-generation (neither parent nor guardian completed a 4-year
degree); are military-affiliated (active duty military, student veteran, dependent
or spouse of active-duty or veteran); have experience in the foster care system; transferred
to the university; identify as non-traditional (due to age, parenting status, or other
factors); are experiencing hardship in accessing basic needs resources (food insecurity,
housing needs, emergency funding); are in need of general support for their academic
journey.
This session offers context on the intent and operation of these programs, their placement
within campus life, and how students can connect with needed resources.
|
| Collaborate & Connect: An Advisor Networking Opportunity | Ebonie Hill | Building connections is key to fostering a supportive advising community. This session offers a relaxed and welcoming environment for advisors from across campus to meet, share experiences, and expand their professional networks. Whether you’re new to advising or a seasoned professional, this is a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and collaborate with colleagues who share your commitment to student success. Join us for this informal networking session to strengthen relationships, spark new collaborations, and discover fresh perspectives to enhance your advising practice. |
| Keynote - extended session | Dr. Valerie J. Thompson | TBD |