Academic Pathway Advising Teams

The advising teams approach is a framework for student success that makes student interactions with advising part of an intentional educational experience.

Accomplishing this work requires a commitment to our shared responsibility. The advising teams approach intentionally aligns academic advisors, student services and academic departments to coordinate this holistic support for students. Holistic advising entails understanding the complex, interconnected nature of various aspects of our students’ lives. It also serves as a conduit to the larger on-campus support network, ensuring that students can access the support they need to address a wide range of issues that may affect their academic progress.

Enhancing the Student Advising Experience
The key components to enhancing the student advising experience, which are identified across the loss momentum framework, are recommended below as best practices to coordinate the advising experience among the academic pathway, student support services and the Collegewide advising office.

• Support students’ entry into clear programs of study to achieve their goals.
• Ensure students know the requirements to succeed.
• Clearly map out program requirements to customize an academic plan.
• Connect students to pathway department resources that make learning relevant and engaging.
• Continually monitor student progress and proactively provide student support.
• Leverage technology to improve learning and student service delivery.

Pathway Team Members
The list of academic pathway deans/associate deans and provost liaisons is available on the Academic Affairs SharePoint site. The comprehensive list of advising and student support team members designated to work with the academic pathways can be found on the Student Affairs SharePoint site.

Communication
The following communication protocols have been established to minimize communication gaps; build alignment among the academic pathway, advising team and student support team members; and ensure that consistent messaging and information are shared.

Academic Pathway

• Faculty work with (or communicate through) the dean and associate deans of the department/pathway.
• Deans/associate deans work with (or communicate through) the advising pathway lead.

Advising Team

• Advisors work with (or communicate through) the advising pathway lead on escalated issues.
• Academic advisors will serve as the direct point of contact for students.

Student Support Team

• Student support members may communicate directly with academic advisors to coordinate the referral for support resources.

Submitted by:
Dr. Kimberly Wright, Director of Academic Planning and Advising, KUWright@nvcc.edu