The 6 Professional Academic Advisors were hired and started June 1, 2021. During their first month, they spent 53 hours in training before Sprog week, including meeting with 11 department/program chairs. Advisors also met with various university offices including Financial Aid, Admission, Business Office, Counseling and Health Center, Center for Career and Professional Development, and Residence Life. In July 2021, they participated in a full day retreat with Center for Academic Success. 

Since the QEP’s inception, the professional advisors hold regular meetings with student support areas and areas within High Impact Experiences (HIE). Advisors learn how we can help connect students to HIEs and areas of co-curricular activities or student support. In addition, they meet with areas within Student Life to discuss opportunities for student engagement. They meet regularly with the Center for Academic Success and Registrar staff to discuss upcoming deadlines, policy updates, and important campus information. Additionally, they continue to meet with many of the offices across campus to discuss updates and ways to collaborate.

Using assessment data, the QEP working group meets monthly to design regular training for faculty advisors during the Fall Faculty Conference, Lunch and Learn Workshops, Navigate 360 trainings, advising resource webpages, and more. Four-year degree plans have been developed to support advisors and students.