Quality Academic Advising: Key to Retention CAEL Conference, November 2011

1. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Quality Academic Advising: Key to Retention CAEL Conference, November 2011

2. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Presenters Dr. Edward Dadez Vice President of Continuing Education and Student Services Dr. Beth Carter Associate Vice President of Continuing Education

3. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Agenda Opening and Introduction Saint Leo University Division of Continuing Education Student Retention Academic Advising Program Case Study Closing

4. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Saint Leo University Founded in 1889 by the Order of Saint Benedict of Florida. A Catholic, coeducational liberal arts based university. Located in West Central Florida, 30 miles north of Tampa. Accredited by the Southern Association of College and Schools. Largest School of Business at a Catholic institution. Offers Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Educational Specialist Degrees.

5. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Saint Leo University One of the largest providers of higher education to military personnel in the United States. We have been teaching on military bases for 38 years. We have been teaching on Florida Community College campuses for 18 years. One of the largest not-for-profit providers of online education. Significantly serve more adults at our education centers.

6. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Division of Continuing Education Seventeen Education Centers, located in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, California, and Mississippi, as well as the Center for Online Learning. Located on military bases, community colleges, state colleges and stand alone centers. Current enrollment is over 15,000 students with 2,500 undergraduate and graduates at the main university campus Over 7,500 students are currently taking courses this fall term.

7. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Division of Continuing Education Offer six 8 week terms a year. Delivery methods include: classroom, VTT, iCC, CD ROM, online, and blended. Key Partnerships with: eArmy, NCPACE, NCPDLP, AU-ABC, and OCICU.

8. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Student Retention Fit with Institution Important for staff to be honest about enrollment and academic affairs policies Clearly state expectations and norms for students Discuss institutional core values

9. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Student Retention Faculty and Staff Customer service training that develops raving fans Professional and personable Ensure active engagement and learning in the classroom

10. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Student Retention Focus of Students Ensure proper student engagement in his/her own learning Determine individual motivation Discuss current and future life/career plans

11. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Student Retention Facilities and Programs All facilities are clean and in excellent shape Full time faculty conduct class observations of all adjunct faculty All degree and student services programs are regularly reviewed to ensure proper execution

12. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Academic Advising Program A quality academic advising program is critical to the success of our education students at 17 centers in 7 states and online through our distance learning program.

13. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Academic Advising A strong advising program includes the following: Hiring Passionate Advisors Developing a Comprehensive Academic Advisor Training Program Developing Clear and Consistent Communication Plans Assessment of Advising at each location

14. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Academic Advising Hiring passionate advisors: Embody the Saint Leo University Core Values Student centered Excellent customer service skills

15. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Academic Advising Embody the Saint Leo University Core Values Excellence Community Respect Personal Development Responsible Stewardship Integrity

16. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Academic Advising Student Centered Focus on the students Build a relationship with each advisee Inspire, motivate, and guide advisees

17. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Academic Advising Excellent Customer Service Skills Deliver on our promises Student satisfaction Raving fans

18. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Academic Advising Comprehensive Academic Advisor Training Program: Mindleaders Modules Academic Advisor Manual In person training Advising tools

19. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Academic Advising Mindleaders Modules: Student management system Transcript evaluation Evaluation and audit Retention alert

20. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Academic Advising Academic Advisor manual Training tool Resource guide Revised annually

21. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Academic Advising In person training Observe experienced advisor Question and answer sessions Observation and feedback Case studies

22. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Academic Advising Advising Tools Student program evaluation Advisor checklist University catalog Key people as resources Academic Advisor Manual

23. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Academic Advising Clear and consistent communication Continuing Education weekly newsletter Quarterly academic advisor meetings Annual meeting with Registrar

24. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Academic Advising Continuing Education Weekly Newsletter Changes in CE policies and procedures Updates from other departments Professional development opportunities Motivation and Positive Reinforcement

25. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Academic Advising Quarterly Academic Advisor Meetings Connect all sites Changes in policies and procedures Open discussion

26. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Academic Advising Annual meeting with Registrar New courses New programs New course numbers Course substitutions

27. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Academic Advising Assessment of Advising Quarterly Student Survey National Survey of Student Engagement Student Graduation Survey

28. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Academic Advising Quarterly Student Surveys Student Experience Survey Academic Experience Survey Tools and Resources for Student Success

29. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Academic Advising National Survey of Student Engagement Full report Responses by location What our students are saying

30. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Academic Advising Student Graduation Survey All graduates End of year report Execution priorities for following year

31. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Case Study Handout

32. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going “According to Tinto (1987), academic advising is the very core of successful instituional efforts to educate and retain students. For this reason, academic advising, as described by Wes Habley, should be viewed as the “hub of the wheel” and not just one of the various isolated services provided for students. Academic advisors offer students the personal connection to the institution that the research indicates is vital to student retention and student success” (Nutt 2003)

33. Saint Leo University What you need for where you’re going Contact Person Dr. Edward Dadez Vice President of Continuing Education and Student Services University Campus – MC 2277 Post Office Box 6665 Saint Leo, Florida 33574-6665 ed.dadez@saintleo.edu Dr. Beth Carter Associate Vice President of Continuing Education University Campus – MC 2277 Post Office Box 6665 Saint Leo, Florida 33574-6665 beth.carter@saintleo.edu