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Faculty Advisor Sessions
Faculty advisors were invited to participate in any of the concurrent sessions. However, the following sessions were developed with the faculty advisor audience in mind. As well, when registering, faculty advisors were invited to participate in as many or as few sessions as time allowed: schedules were built to accommodate availability.
A5: Tools, Resources and Programs to Support Student Wellbeing and Success
L5: Student Services Virtual Tour
B1: Academic Advising for International Students: A Case Study Approach
C5: What can I do with my major? Connecting Academic and Career Advising
New Advisor Sessions
All advising staff were invited to participate in any of the concurrent sessions. However, the following sessions had been developed with the newer staff advisor audience in mind:
A5: Tools, Resources and Programs to Support Student Wellbeing and Success
L5: Student Services Virtual Tour
B1: Academic Advising for International Students: A Case Study Approach
B6: OAMS Notetaking Best Practices: Recording, Sharing and Use of Advising Information
Session A: 10:40am-12:10pm
A1: Dr. Shimi Kang Workshop: Leveraging Your Strengths to Help Students Find Their Way
- Dr. Shimi Kang, Keynote Speaker
In this session, a more in-depth look of the skills and techniques Dr. Shimi Kang explored in her research and best-selling book, “The Dolphin Way.” This informative and interactive breakout session set out to enhance skills for both personal and professional lives. Participants further explored how to leverage strengths as Advisors to help students find balance and motivation, as well as better adapt to the stresses and challenges of their university experience.
A2: Excellence in Advising Roundtable
- Michelle Mallette, Director, Student Academic Services, Faculty of Science
- Cheryl Dumaresq, Director, Arts Academic Advising Services, Faculty of Arts
- Pamela Lim, Assistant Dean and Director, Undergraduate Programs, Sauder School of Business
UBC advising offices have been working together to identify areas of priority where we can improve both the effectiveness and consistency of our work. In this highly interactive session participants worked in small groups to discuss priorities for advising at UBC, academic concession policies and procedures, and ongoing professional development for the advising community. This process helped inform how the advising community moved forward on making improvements to better support students toward their academic and personal goals.
A3: QPR Suicide Awareness Training
- Woo Kim, Student Engagement Officer - Programs, Centre for Student Involvement & Careers
QPR Gatekeeper Training is an internationally recognized suicide prevention program designed to help you question, persuade, and refer. Gatekeeper Training will help you to recognize suicide warning signs, approach someone who may be at risk, persuade the person to seek appropriate health services, and connect the person to resources that will help resolve crises. In this session, participants learned what to look for and when to be concerned. Someone considering suicide will usually show warning signs or try to communicate that they need assistance. QPR Gatekeeper Training examines the forms suicide communication can take to help identify someone who may be at risk. This is especially important in a university setting for anyone who has regular contact with students, staff, or faculty. Participants learned basic intervention skills and effective approaches to persuade someone at risk of suicide to seek assistance. Through this training, participants gained a better understanding of the resources available to refer someone to if they were to need help.
A4: Peer Assisted Study Sessions
- Kari Marken, Educational Designer, Centre for Student Involvement & Careers
- Fok-Shuen Leung, Faculty Member, Department of Mathematics
In this experiential session, participants learned about a unique approach to a learning support service for first-year UBC Math students, which is the result of a staff/faculty collaboration. Peer-Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) are high quality, informal drop-in study sessions connected to a specific first-year course. They are designed to develop a first-year student’s academic skills, behaviors and habits attached to their experience in that course. Sessions are held weekly and students are invited to attend as many or as few as they wish. Academically strong upper-year undergraduate students who have demonstrated capacity in the subject area lead Peer-Assisted Study Sessions (hereon referred to as PASS leaders). PASS leaders have taken the course before and are trained to facilitate active engagement with the course content. PASS leaders are not positioned as experts on course content, but rather as expert learners. They are not there to answer questions, tutor or re-lecture content, but rather to facilitate discussion and active learning amongst participants, focused on study techniques and problem-solving strategies. In this session participants were provided an overview of the model and focused specifically on its applicability to Math. Participants were lead through a PASS-like experience to best demonstrate the approach and help make connections to how the approach can inform academic advising conversations.
A5: Tools, Resources and Programs to Support Student Wellbeing and Success
- Joanne Elliott, Case Manager
- Ryan Holliday, Case Manager
Student wellbeing and academic success are intrinsically linked: Mental health concerns can have a significant impact on everyday life, including academics. As a faculty or staff advisor, you may be the first person to see signs that a student is in distress, and it’s important to pay attention to warning signs and help connect the student to the help they need. In this two-part workshop, faculty and staff advisors learned about key UBC tools and programs in place that allowed them to support student success.
Part 1: Early Alert Unplugged - In 2012, UBC launched an Early Alert (EA) Program, which is part of a comprehensive approach to promoting student learning and wellbeing, and is a key component of the UBC Student Mental Health Strategy. Many staff and faculty across campus have had the opportunity to participate in an Early Alert Orientation and are now using the program to identify student concerns. This session will explore the EA program from a "behind the scenes" approach: What happens when an Early Alert is submitted? Why are some cases identified for Action Plans and some not? What does the Early Alert Team do? What is the role of the Case Managers? What are current data/statistics related to this program?
Part 2: Green Folder Resource and Case Studies - A new tool for faculty and staff members, the Green Folder provides a streamlined approach for supporting students in distress. This type of resource has been introduced at many institutions across North America; the UBC version is intended to assist faculty and staff members 'in the moment' when assisting a student who is struggling with his or her wellbeing. Using the Green Folder as a tool, participants discussed common case examples of students in distress to identify the best approach for supporting their wellbeing and success.
Lunch & Learn: 12:35pm-1:20pm
L1: What are You Reading?
Have you read an article or book lately that you'd like to share with your fellow advisors? Would you like to hear about what others are reading on topics related to student advising and learning? Colleagues joined together and shared their best reads.
L2: Open Space Discussions
This was an opportunity to put a question to your colleagues and set the agenda for discussion. This facilitated session initiated a topic or joined in a discussion on topics colleagues had suggested. Amazing ideas were born and information gleaned with so many great minds put to work over lunch.
L3: Technology Show and Tell
Do you have a favourite technology tool that helps you in your work? Would you like to learn what others are using? Colleagues joined together and shared their top tech tips.
L4: Ted Talks - 21st Century Education
Participants enjoyed lunch while watching some favorite Ted Talks videos related to current and emerging trends in education.
L5: Student Services Virtual Tour
Participants enjoyed lunch while watching a slide show featuring highlights of Student Services across campus. This session was great for new staff and faculty and those who liked a chance to recharge their batteries in a quieter environment.
L6: UBC Recreation Get Moving! (12:45pm-1:15pm)
Need some energy for the afternoon? Participants ate lunch and walked over to the Student Recreation Centre (SRC) to participate in a low to medium intensity workout, which left them energized for the afternoon (but not too sweaty!).
Session B: 1:30pm–2:30pm
B1: Academic Advising for International Students: A Case Study Approach
- Jamie Tooze, International Student Coordinator, Undergraduate Programs, Sauder School of Business
- Robert Tudhope, Academic Advisor - International, Arts Academic Advising Services
- Stacey Simpson, International Student Coordinator, Faculty of Science
According to a recent study, international students “bring economic benefits to countries and higher education systems, introduce and strengthen diversity in higher education, globalizing the curriculum and mindset of students, faculty members and the public at large” (Abdullah, Aziz, & Ibrahim, 2013. P. 248). Yet research indicates that academic experiences can be “confusing and mysterious” to newcomers from a different cultural context (Ridley, 2004, p. 91). Effective academic advising is critical to support international students’ success and wellbeing at university. In 2013, the UBC Vancouver campus registered 9,372 international students from 151 countries, jumping from 7% of the total student population in 2000 to 19% in 2013. In response to this strong growth many academic advising offices at UBC have made efforts to strengthen their advising services to focus on the particular needs of this population of students.
This workshop engaged staff and faculty who advise international students on academic issues as they discussed scenarios that reflect the unique and layered challenges that can be experienced working with international students. This session briefly touched upon prescriptive advising and developmental advising and then applied these approaches through case studies relevant to UBC international students. We explored issues surrounding academic culture, health and wellness, parental influence, and the role advisors play in proactively supporting international students. Through small group work and lively conversation, the session highlighted essential reflective and collaborative approaches advisors take when assisting international students.
B2: UBC's Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy in Action
- Kelly White, Student Engagement Officer - Wellness, Student Health Service
- Mona Maleki, Student Senator, Senate Adhoc Committee on Student Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Natasha Moore, Research and Evaluation Analyst, Office of the Vice-President Students
- Dr. Karen Smith, Faculty Member, Department of Microbiology and Immunology
- Diana Jung, Peer Wellness Coaching Coordinator, Student Health Service
UBC is currently supporting student health and wellbeing through strategic, coordinated and evidence-based initiatives that span the university. Based upon the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and in keeping with a “whole campus” approach, these initiatives are contributing to changes in the way students learn in the classroom, the support students receive through peer and professional resources, and the policies that guide the academic experience. This presentation was an opportunity to engage with this strategy and discuss the various roles and responsibilities of staff and faculty in a whole-campus approach. Participants learned more about the innovative approaches to health promotion in the UBC context, featuring initiatives such as the Wellbeing in the Classroom Pilot Project, the Peer Wellness Coaching program, the Faculty Wellbeing Liaison Pilot and the Ad-hoc Senate Committee for Mental Health and Wellbeing.
B3: Money Matters - Holistic Advising with Student Finances in Mind
- Cheryl Tyler, Enrolment Services Professional, Enrolment Services
- Rebecca Pouliot, Enrolment Services Professional, Enrolment Services
During the 2013W session, more than 13,000 UBC students paid for their education through government student loans and 3,300 of these received bursary funding. This session reviewed the ways in which participants could provide holistic advising by considering the financial factors that impact a student’s academic success and personal well-being. In this session, we reviewed how a student's finances are closely tied to common advising situations. We discussed the impacts of reduced course loads, late withdrawals, financial holds, taking time away from studies, grade fluctuations, and how students can maintain award and loan eligibility while on campus, on exchange and on co-op. Learn about financial factors to consider, simple strategies for identifying financial wellness issues and how to make an effective referral to an ESP. Participants became empowered advisors by gaining a new perspective on the student experience.
B4: Emerging Research in First Year Student Transition Experiences at UBC
- Dr. Amori Mikami, Faculty Member, Psychology Department
- Dr. Frances Chen, Faculty Member, Psychology Departmnet
In this session, two UBC faculty members presented new findings from their research about first year students’ experiences during their transition to UBC, including how new students become successfully integrated into supportive social networks at UBC, and the implications of these social networks for students’ healthy emotional and academic adjustment. The presenters explored opportunities and challenges surrounding providing effective support for students in their transition to UBC.
B5: UBC's Sexual Assault Response and Support Protocol: Building Awareness
- Jennifer Hollinshead, Sexual Assault Counsellor, Counselling Services
This thought-provoking and interactive session introduced the new UBC Sexual Assault Response and Support Protocol, including an exploration of sexual violence on campus, discussion of “pyramid of violence”, and impacts on survivors of sexual assault. We defined and discussed terms such as ‘sexual assault’, and ‘consent’ and explored myths associated with sexual assault. We also reviewed the approach that any staff or faculty member can take if someone discloses sexual assault, including appropriate campus resources and supports for survivors.
B6: OAMS Notetaking Best Practices: Recording, Sharing and Use of Advising Information
- Leanne Kearns, Associate Director - Academic Services, Sauder School of Business
- Carol Naylor, Acting Director, Centre for Student Involvement & Careers
One of the most beneficial features of UBC’s Online Advising Management System (OAMS) is the ability for UBC Advisors to record and share student advising information in an integrated and secure way. This feature supports a collective and networked practice of advising which acknowledges and leverages students’ many points of interaction with advisors across the university, to create coherence in their learning experience. In 2013, members of the OAMS user community developed a set of best practices for recording sharing and using advising information within OAMS - practices which both effectively support our students and maintain the privacy of student information as required by FIPPA. In this session we reviewed the established best practices as well as identified practices that may be in need of refreshment or renewal.
B7: Head, Heart, Hands and Home: A Meaningful Way to Navigate Choice - WORKSHOP AT CAPACITY
- Kyle Nelson, Officer - Community-Based Experiential Learning (CBEL), Faculty of Land and Food Systems and Centre for Community Engaged Learning
- Robyn Leuty, Student Engagement Advisor, Centre for Student Involvement & Careers
Students are faced with increasing pressure to “do it all”; perform well academically, get involved, give back, get career-related experience, and have a variety of meaningful learning moments. With all these pressures the burden of choice falls to the student to select from an overwhelming array of on and off campus opportunities - but which opportunities are the “right” ones? Head, Heart, Hands and Home is a reflection tool that advisors can use to support students as they begin to answer their own questions of “what should I do?” This tool can be used to help students; reflect on previous experiences, make decisions about the present and plan for the future.
The Head, Heart, Hands and Home model is derived from several bodies of literature; transformational education theory, student development theory, sustainability education literature and is informed by of critical, place-based and aboriginal pedagogies. This model embraces a holistic view of the student and supports them in identifying value and making meaning from their experiences. This interactive session brought this model to life through meaningful reflection and purposeful conversation. Attendees got an opportunity to try-out the model with each other and explore how this tool could support them in future conversations with students.
Session C: 2:40pm–3:40pm
C1: So, What Exactly is a Learning Commons?
- Teri Grant, Coordinator - Learning Initiatives, Centre for Student Involvement and Careers
- Kalenne Thors, Manager - Cannacord Learning Commons, Sauder School of Business
- Nick Thornton, Student Engagement Coordinator, Chapman Learning Commons, UBC Library
Staff members from the Canaccord Learning Commons and the Chapman Learning Commons teams joined together to break down three key aspects of our services (the front service desks, co-curricular learning services, and student staff teams), and share the challenges and achievements that have shaped each aspect within the UBC Library system. We discussed how a cross-campus spirit of collaboration has led to proactive and responsive program development, and translates into high-quality service to students. This session was ideal for advisors looking to learn more about what resources and services were offered in a Learning Commons, and what commonalities UBC Learning Commons share to make the spaces unique..
C2: Self Care for the Caretaker: Managing Wellbeing and Preventing Burnout
- Miranda Massie, Health Promotions Coordinator, Human Resources
- Coline Hearne, Health and Wellbeing Associate, Human Resources
This session looked at framing the importance of self-care and maintenance of wellbeing for those staff working in front facing positions with students. Advising requires active and non-judgmental listening, problem solving and tackling a wide variety of student issues and the emotions that go with them. This session focused on identifying and building the skills necessary to recognize mental health issues in colleagues (or oneself), respond in a caring and empathetic manner and to refer someone to the appropriate resources. This model emphasized that one does not need to be a counsellor or an expert in mental health in order to make a difference and help to create a healthier environment for staff and students. A broader discussion was also had of the available health and wellbeing resources on campus for staff and faculty, along with an exercise around self-care.
C3: Bringing out the Best in People: Building an Engaged Workplace - WORKSHOP AT CAPACITY
- Maura Da Cruz, Organizational Development & Learning Consultant, Human Resources
What makes people perform at their best and be the most helpful resource possible to themselves and to others? How do we become active participants in people’s most inspiring stories of optimal performance? This starts with recognition and appreciation of the potential that people can live in to. Research shows that people who know their strengths and tap into them on a consistent basis are up to 10 times more productive than the average worker, are less stressed, healthier, and are more engaged in their work. In this very practical and interactive session, participants came together to understand how appreciative and asset-based approaches can change our relationship with those we work, and build organizational capacity; reviewed a variety of strengths/asset based resources available; and left with practical ways to incorporate strengths and asset-based approaches in our workplaces.
C4: Volunteer Management: More than Just a T-Shirt and a Free Lunch
- Kate Murray, Assistant Director - Residence Life, Student Housing & Hospitality Services
- Tiffany Mintah, Residence Life Manager, Student Housing & Hospitality Services
Volunteer management is a key aspect of working with students. In this session we will explore the four components that make successful volunteer management as identified by the Canadian Code for Volunteer Management: Engagement and Communication; Orientation and Training; Support and Supervision; and Recognition. With over 10 years combined experience management student volunteers; we'll share our best practices we’ve learned from working with elected students in residence. Resources will be provided to allow you to adapt these methods in your own work.
C5: What can I do with my major? Connecting Academic and Career Advising
- Kimberley Rawes, Career Educator, Centre for Student Involvement & Careers
- Michael More, Advisor - Graduate Career Development, Centre for Student Involvement & Careers
- Meghan Lamont, Associate Academic Advisor, School of Kinesiology
How many times have you been asked: “What jobs are available with this major?” or “What course should I take to get a job?” This session shared perspectives and strategies that could be used to help students shift from the transactional to the intentional. Our goal as advisors is to help students make the most of their time here and find meaning in both their academic and professional pursuits. By explaining the links and reflecting with our students, we can approach career and academic advising in tandem. Thus, we can help students connect to the experiences on campus that will help them develop academically and professionally.
C6: Student Success & Retention Strategies - WORKSHOP AT CAPACITY
- Dr. Kate Ross, Associate Vice-President Enrolment Services and Registrar, Enrolment Services
- Kristen Harvey, Associate Director - Strategic Aboriginal Enrolment Initiatives, Enrolment Services
Colleagues joined from across campus in a discussion around improving our practice to support student retention, persistence, and success. In this session, we discussed research and conceptual frameworks to help us envision an approach beyond "one size fits all” and examined the life cycle of a student’s post-secondary experience, from recruitment to graduation. Using the college choice model (Hossler and Gallagher), persistence theory (Terenzini and Reason), and the situated context framework (Perna), we reflected on how these models/frameworks holistically inform our practice. We shared ideas and engaged in conversation about working with different student populations to support student success.
C7: UBC 101
- Darran Fernandez, Associate Registrar & Director of Student Support & Advising, Enrolment Services and Member, UBC Board of Governors
Newer (and sometimes more seasoned staff) at UBC don’t always have the opportunity to become aware of and consider the importance of the bigger picture at UBC. A university campus is a unique environment to work within – how much do you know about how things work? In this session, we had the opportunity to learn about ‘how the university works’. We gained answers to the following questions and more: What is the Board of Governors? What is Senate? How do they work together to make decisions that affect how the university functions? What is Place & Promise and why does it matter to me? What is the role of the university executive? Who are they? What are their portfolios? How does all of this relate to me as a staff member at UBC?