Advisor Training Curriculum

The full Advisor Training Curriculum is meant to be experienced as an introduction to advising at Wayne State University for new advisors (advising 1 year or less), but is open to all WSU advisors (in part or as a whole) as refresher training. The full curriculum is offered twice a year and new advisors must complete all 6 modules for Level 1 Certification.

Introduction to Academic Advising at WSU

"Introduction to Academic Advising at WSU" is a 6 module training program meant to complement college/school specific training done within the advisor's department or advising unit. The full program is intended for new advisors (advising 1 year or less) and any faculty and staff interested in learning more about academic advising. The curriculum is offered in modules so that any WSU advisor can choose to attend one or more individual modules as a refresher.

Each module seeks to support one or more of NACADA's Core Competencies as outlined in their framework for effective academic advising practice. While each module has its own set of Learning Outcomes, the curriculum as a whole is designed with the following Learning Outcomes:

As a result of participation in the Advisor Training Curriculum, a WSU advisor will:

  • Understand and appreciate the differences between advisors and advising units across campus
  • Be knowledgeable of  the communication and interpersonal skills necessary to build and maintain the advisor/student relationship as well as the resources available for further enhance these skills
  • Be able to explain general education and its role and purpose in a WSU degree
  • Be able to effectively apply appropriate advising techniques when working with at-risk students, and able to make appropriate referrals to campus resources
  • Identify at least at least two academic advising models and explain how and why they might be used with different student populations
  • Have working knowledge of and regularly use the major WSU advising tools and other technology including STARS, Degree Works, transfer credit tables, and BANNER in helping students with their academic planning and other needs
  • Be able to appreciate and plan for their own professional development goals and remain knowledgeable about the methods and resources available to achieve these goals
  • Identify at least one other advisor on campus whom he/she considers a mentor or professional resource and pursue a mentoring relationship for the purpose of gaining additional expertise

Prerequisites

Please read the following articles prior to attending the "Introduction to Academic Advising at WSU."

University Advising Center