Faculty join Elevate U Advising Summit to enhance best practices for student support, success, retention

NATCHITOCHES - About 50 members of Northwestern State University's faculty joined an advising summit Jan. 7 designed to enhance skills for helping students discover their strengths and weaknesses, develop plans to achieve their academic goals and optimize their NSU experience.

Workshop facilitator Dr. Andrea Jones, a licensed professional counselor who spent 25 years in academic advising and counseling at LSU, discussed a holistic approach to advising that encourages collaboration with students by asking open-ended questions, making sure students understand terminology, policies and procedures and creating awareness of resources available to assist them in career services, wellness, financial aid and other important areas.

Jones was chief administrator for LSU's academic college, comprised of the Center for Freshman Year, the Center for Advising and Counseling and Summer Scholars, where she was responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of all programs with an emphasis in advisement, assessment and retention. She discussed improving communication with students, understanding challenges they face and using empathy and advocacy in advising.

The workshop was sponsored by NSU's Elevate U program, which provides extra layers of support for students, particularly low-income and first-generation students. Funded by a federal Title III grant, Elevate U brings together academic advising, tutoring and career planning to create a clearer path towards degree completion.

NSU's spring semester will begin Monday, Jan. 13.