NACADA (Global Community for Academic Advising) is celebrating the advising profession around the world during Global Advising Week, May 2-8. Virginia Tech is joining in this celebration by recognizing academic advisors and their dedication to student success.

“This week, in observance of Global Advising Week, we honor academic advisors at Virginia Tech and across the globe, who continue to work tirelessly in support of college student success,” said Kimberly Smith, associate vice provost for student success initiatives.

Virginia Tech Academic Advising Network (VTAAN) has put a creative spin on the 2021 #VTadvisingmatters Kudoboard, turning it into a raffle for Virginia Tech academic advisors. Advisors are able to post to the 2021 Kudoboard for a chance to win one of four registration fees to the 2021 NACADA Annual Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. A post from the categories below will count for one entry into the raffle.

  • Picture with a Hokie Bird statue.
  • Picture doing something that involves self-care.
  • Post thanking a colleague.
  • Post answering “why advising matters to you?”
  • Post a quote.

“It is a fun and creative way for us to celebrate together virtually and show appreciation for one another,” said Lauren Thomas, director of academic advising initiatives.

Throughout the academic year, Academic Advising Initiatives gives the opportunity for faculty, staff, and students to honor academic advisors through awards, letters of appreciation, and recognitions through the following programs:

  • Thank an Advisor: Students submit a “thank you note” to their academic advisor that is included in an electronic formal letter, and sent to the advisor.
  • Annual Advising Awards: Faculty, staff, administrators, and students nominate individuals for the awards each fall. Winners receive a plaque, $2,000, and induction in to the Academy of Advising Excellence.
  • Advisor of the Month: Students, faculty, and staff nominate academic advisors each fall. Advisors are recognized on the Academic Advising website and through an announcement on the academic advising listserv. They also receive a plaque during a ceremony in the spring.  

“Here at Virginia Tech, academic advisors play a critical role in educating students and helping them to develop their plans for success beyond college,” said Smith. “They are kind, patient, hard-working, dedicated, and understanding faculty and professionals who support our students and guide them in positive directions.”

NACADA will host many events this week, including games, yoga, a scavenger hunt, and even a talent show for members, “Advisors Got Talent (AGT).” Be sure to visit NACADA’s website to vote for your top three talented advisors and view the full line-up for this week’s events.

The national academic advising definition states that “the envisaged result [of academic advising] is that students have a meaningful academic experience while in higher education and feel a sense of belonging to the institution while maximizing their potential to succeed.” Virginia Tech thanks our academic advisors for fulfilling this definition at the highest level.

To help celebrate academic advisors, add the advising matters global advising week frame to your Facebook profile and tag social media posts with #VTadvisingmatters.  

— Written by Chenaye Blankenship  

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