NATCHITOCHES – About 50 members of Northwestern State University’s faculty joined an advising summit Jan. 7 designed to enhance skills for helping students discover their strengths and weaknesses, develop plans to achieve their academic goals and optimize their NSU experience.

Workshop facilitator Dr. Andrea Jones, a licensed professional counselor who spent 25 years in academic advising and counseling at LSU, discussed a holistic approach to advising that encourages collaboration with students by asking open-ended questions, making sure students understand terminology, policies and procedures and creating awareness of resources available to assist them in career services, wellness, financial aid and other important areas.

Jones was chief administrator for LSU’s academic college, comprised of the Center for Freshman Year, the Center for Advising and Counseling and Summer Scholars, where she was responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of all programs with an emphasis in advisement, assessment and retention.  She discussed improving communication with students, understanding challenges they face and using empathy and advocacy in advising.

The workshop was sponsored by NSU’s Elevate U program, which provides extra layers of support for students, particularly low-income and first-generation students. Funded by a federal Title III grant, Elevate U brings together academic advising, tutoring and career planning to create a clearer path towards degree completion.

NSU’s spring semester will begin Monday, Jan. 13.

Elevate U has more upcoming events planned.

Jan. 21 – Potluck and Paint, 5-7 p.m. President’s Room, NSU Student Union

Jan. 23 – BYOSB (Build Your Own Snacklebox), 4:30-6 p.m., Iberville Cafe

Feb. 6 – Leadership and the Workplace, 4:30-6 p.m., President’s Room, NSU Student Union

Feb. 7 – National Wear Red Day, encouraging campus to wear red in support of heart health.  LLC members will be handing out heart candy to those wearing red.

Feb. 24 – Stretch out Your Stress Yoga session for midterms, 5-6 p.m., Watson Library Reference Room

April 3 – Demon Piano Bar, 5-7 p.m. Varnado Ballroom

April 28-May 2 – Global Advising Week, events to be determined

May 5 – Stretch out Your Stress Yoga session for finals, 5-6 p.m., Library Reference Area