Past Workshops: Mentoring & Advising

See how past workshops aligns with the competencies in the Pitt ACT Advising and Mentoring Foundations Training. Use this color-coded chart and competencies list to find workshops in the categories that most interest you.

Chart showing various Pitt ACT Competencies categories

1. Advising at Pitt


Pitt ACT Level One: The newest iteration of the advising certification and training program

Watch the Recording

The University of Pittsburgh Advising and Certification Training program (Pitt ACT) recently launched the “Level One” iteration of the program: a steppingstone built on top of the Foundations level course. This course dives deeper into the content laid out in the Foundations level and addresses new resources that are specific to certain populations at the university. This workshop will outline the content included in Level One, and the benefits of enrolling. 

Presenters: 

  • Jennifer Cooper
  • April Belback


Understanding and Supporting Students Admitted under the Test-optional Process

Watch the Recording

In this session, we provide an overview of the test-optional admissions policy at Pitt and data from the current admissions cycle for Fall 2021. We also identify and discuss possible implications and strategies for student success to support all our students as we prepare for the fall term.



In-class Belonging Initiatives to Support Student Sense of Belonging 

Watch the Recording

Join us to learn more about the collaborative efforts between the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC), Office of the Provost, and the Teaching Center which involves teaching instructors to deliver an in-class exercise at the beginning of the term that is designed to change classroom norms about the meaning of adversity and belonging in that course. We have focused thus far on large, gateway STEM courses and our efforts have shown good results. This session provides faculty with tools to implement and adopt the intervention in your course content. We also announce train the trainer opportunities.



Creating a Culture of Caring in the Classroom

Watch the Recording

In our most recent Pitt Gallup Study, one of the key findings included that students favored professors exhibit behaviors in their teaching and approach with students that demonstrate an interest in students and the subject matter – and is reflected in the energy they bring to the classroom. Specifically, students indicated the importance of creating a culture of caring in the classroom by:

  • taking time to notice students
  • extending to accommodate students
  • affirming and encouraging students

This session will dig deeper into these behaviors and discuss practical ways to incorporate them into teaching and learning.



Introduction to Pitt ACT 

Watch the Recording

For the Fall 2021 semester, the Office of the Provost is launching the Pitt ACT (University of Pittsburgh Advising Certification and Training) Program: Advising and Mentoring Foundations Training. This suite of online onboarding and training materials provides standard resources for all advisors and mentors across the University. We are excited to introduce this new resource to the campus community! In this session, we will present background information about the project, highlight key aspects of the training curriculum, introduce logistics about how to register, and provide a forum to answer questions. You can also sign up to have the Pitt ACT Team to present on the project to your unit. Reach out with questions at pittact@pitt.edu.  



Engaging with New Students Town Hall

Watch the Recording

Panelists:

  • Joseph McCarthy, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies​
  • Marc Harding, Vice Provost for Enrollment​
  • Kenyon Bonner, Vice Provost and Dean of Students
2. University Policy and Procedures


Advisement and Enrollment Tools in PeopleSoft/HighPoint CX 

Watch the Recording

Resources

In this session we will provide an overview of enrollment and advisement tools in the PeopleSoft/CX Student Information System from both the student and advisor perspectives. 

Presenters: 

  • Chris Coat
  • Andrea Tryon


Navigating Challenging Advising Conversations

Watch the Recording

In this workshop, participants will learn about navigating challenging advising conversations and follow the format: Define, Depict, Discuss. The presentation will address four areas related to this topic: Academic Standing, Holistic Student Support, Families and Parents, and Faculty. Each topic will include a discussion about inclusive practices and considerations then conclude with an exercise so that participants can consider how they can apply strategies within their respective institutions and advising practices.

Presenters:

  • Devin Ulm, Academic Advisor, Swanson School of Engineering
  • Danielle Bonatesta, Academic Advisor, School of Computing and Information


Understanding and Delivering Appropriate FERPA Messages in Advising Interactions

Watch the Recording

The University Registrar’s Office has been intentional about providing the University community with updated training and resources on FERPA (the Federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974) and the related University policy and procedure, “Access to and Release of Education Records” ( AC 04). 

However, mentors and advisors often have many questions surrounding the understanding of FERPA. During 2021, the Office of the Provost led a NIC (Network Improvement Community) where we discussed FERPA and how to better deliver appropriate messages to students in an advising and mentoring context.  This session will present the work of two different NIC teams and their approach on the delivery of FERPA to our students at Pitt. 

Presenters: 

  • Jennifer Marco, Assistant University Registrar
  • Jill Harvey, Director of First Year Advising, Swanson School of Engineering
  • M. Kathleen Kelly, Associate Dean of Academic Outreach & Advising, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences
  • Elizabeth Nagel, Associate Professor of Practice and Associate Co-Chair, Department of Health and Human Development


Engaging with New Students Town Hall

Watch the Recording

Panelists:

  • Joseph McCarthy, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies​
  • Marc Harding, Vice Provost for Enrollment​
  • Kenyon Bonner, Vice Provost and Dean of Students
3. Academic Programs and Requirements


Engaging Students Utilizing Interdisciplinary Transcript Distinctions & Catalog of Opportunities

Watch the Recording

Resources

Pitt has launched a new class of credential—a “distinction”—that incorporates a curated, synergistic combination of curricular and experiential learning activities that support a student’s growth and development in particular interdisciplinary areas. Students participate in a sequence of courses (6-9 credit hours) that are then blended with high impact activities outside the classroom. In this way, students learn to translate their knowledge into practical applications and are prepared to communicate these experiences to a broad audience. This session will offer exploration of the four distinction offerings for students and tracking mechanisms for distinction progress and completion through the Catalog of Opportunities, powered by Suitable.

Presenters: 

  • Jen Marco
  • April Belback
4. Technology for Student Success


Student Success Assessment 101

Watch the Recording

In this workshop, Amanda Brodish, Associate Vice Provost for Data Analytics, will present on the basics of assessment in the context of higher education student success. We will define and describe student success assessment cycles and measures used by the University of Pittsburgh.  You will also be able to identify outcome measures to map back to your own unit, program, or context. 

Presenters: 

  • Amanda Brodish


Documentation in Pathways: Best Practices, Guidelines and Sensitive Situations

Watch the Recording

The Pathways platform provides several ways for advisors and mentors to document student interactions.  Maintaining records of student interactions are important for several reasons (institutional memory, personalizing the advising experience, enhanced collaboration) but advisors and mentors often struggle with what to include in a student record.  This session will consider some best practices in writing reports and notes in Pathways and review guidelines, including standards all users have to follow.  Last, we will review how to document and make referrals for sensitive situations in Pathways. 

Presenters: 

  • Michael Brubaker


Engaging Students Utilizing Interdisciplinary Transcript Distinctions & Catalog of Opportunities

Watch the Recording

Pitt has launched a new class of credential—a “distinction”—that incorporates a curated, synergistic combination of curricular and experiential learning activities that support a student’s growth and development in particular interdisciplinary areas. Students participate in a sequence of courses (6-9 credit hours) that are then blended with high impact activities outside the classroom. In this way, students learn to translate their knowledge into practical applications and are prepared to communicate these experiences to a broad audience. This session will offer exploration of the four distinction offerings for students and tracking mechanisms for distinction progress and completion through the Catalog of Opportunities, powered by Suitable.

Presenters: 

  • Jen Marco
  • April Belback


Advisement and Enrollment Tools in PeopleSoft/HighPoint CX 

Watch the Recording

Resources

In this session we will provide an overview of enrollment and advisement tools in the PeopleSoft/CX Student Information System from both the student and advisor perspectives. 

Presenters: 

  • Chris Coat
  • Andrea Tryon


Introduction to the Catalog of Opportunities for Advisors and Mentors  

Watch the Recording 

The Catalog of Opportunities is powered by Suitable, which is the same platform used by the OCC, myPittGlobal, Honors OCC, and Business Outside the Classroom. The catalog displays the existing Suitable platforms in one unified view so that students can search all activities across multiple disciplines. The catalog also includes opportunities that don’t fall under a specific theme, as well as those that are not assigned a level or competency under one of the formal programs. Students can use the catalog to search and filter by keywords and phrases and also view in-progress achievement privately. The catalog is also open to Pitt staff and faculty to contribute opportunities that are relevant for students. 

Academic advisors have access to the Catalog of Opportunities via single sign-on to review their student's engagement beyond the classroom and encourage purposeful involvement to help them achieve their educational goals. In this session, we will review advisor access and workflow integration. 



Documentation in Pathways: Best Practices, Guidelines and Sensitive Situations

Watch the Recording (Pitt login required)
Presentation Deck (Pitt login required)

The Pathways platform provides several ways for advisors and mentors to document student interactions.  Maintaining records of student interactions are important for several reasons (institutional memory, personalizing the advising experience, enhanced collaboration) but advisors and mentors often struggle with what to include in a student record.  This session will consider some best practices in writing reports and notes in Pathways and review guidelines, including standards all users have to follow.  Last, we will review how to document and make referrals for sensitive situations in Pathways.

Presenters:

  • April E. Belback, Director of Undergraduate Advising and Mentoring
  • Amanda Brodish, Director of Data Analytics and Pathways
  • Ashley Christopherson, Undergraduate Academic Advisor


Referrals in Pathways: When and How to Make Them

Presentation Deck
Case Management Referral Information

In this workshop, you’ll learn about the referral process in Pathways, Pitt’s new advising and student success platform. We’ll cover when and how to make a referral in Pathways as well as what different offices do in response to a referral. Amanda Ries will share how Residence Life responds to referrals and Mary Bigante will provide guidance on when to make a referral in Pathways vs. call Pitt Police vs. reach out to the CARS Team.

Presenters:

  • Amanda Brodish, Director of Data Analytics and Pathways for Student Success, Office of the Provost
  • Mary Bigante, CARS Team Care Manager
  • Amanda Ries, Assistant Director, Academic Initiatives, Residence Life


Understanding Enrollment and Advisement Tools Available to Students in the PeopleSoft Student Information System

Watch the Recording

This presentation provided an overview of enrollment and advisement tolls in PeopleSoft from the student and advisor perspectives.  Special emphasis was given to the Schedule Planner and the Plan By My Requirements tools.

Presenters:

  • Christopher Coat, associate university registrar
  • Jeffrey Bastian, senior systems analyst for student services  
5. Campus Resources

Student Success Hub Overview
October 24, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

Pitt Act Competency Five: Campus Resources
Pitt Act Competency Six: Advising Profession and Practice

Abstract: This workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of the vision and mission of the Student Success Hub. We will provide an overview of the services available in the hub, the support resources offered, and how the team works in partnership with other campus departments to support students.

Presenters: April Belback, Associate Vice Provost of Student Success and Advising

Watch Recording



Unmasking the Impostor Phenomenon
July 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.

Pitt Act Competency Five: Campus Resources
Pitt Act Competency Six: Advising Profession and Practice

Abstract: Impostor Phenomenon, also known as Impostor Syndrome, was coined in 1978 by Pauline Rose Clance, PhD, ABPP, and Suzanne Imes (Clance & Imes, 1978). The phenomenon can be defined as feelings of self-doubt about a person’s accomplishments and abilities, and a fear of being exposed as a fraud. Students attending a higher education institution are likely to experience this phenomenon, as well as staff and faculty. This session will define the phenomenon and provide staff, faculty, and other student success personnel strategies to help students overcome the Impostor Phenomenon.

Presenters: Lynnsey Doane

Watch the Recording



Providing Culturally Responsive Care on Campus
June 13, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

Pitt Act Competency Five: Campus Resources
Pitt Act Competency Six: Advising Profession and Practice

Abstract: This workshop will focus on providing culturally responsive care to students. Participants will have an opportunity to explore the impact of mental health stigma and its harmful effects, learn about racism and mental health and how to respond to racial trauma, become familiar with a holistic wellness approach to promote racial healing, and increase knowledge and awareness to better support LGBTQIA+ students. This session is designed to increase the awareness, skills, and knowledge of working with students from diverse and marginalized communities.

Presenters: Ahmed Ghuman and Bernadette Smith

Watch the Recording


  
Advising and Student Success - Success Through Collaboration and Partnerships
May 17, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
Pitt Act Competency Five: Campus Resources

Abstract: Many students wish to engage in high-impact academic and career opportunities through the variety of resources available at Pitt (e.g., Global Experiences Office, Career Center, Pitt Honors, etc.). These students are best served by advisors who create partnerships and collaborations university wide. Students will then benefit from these partnerships as they gain more access to resources to help them reach their goals to become successful health care professionals. In this workshop, members of the SHRS Advising Team will describe their role in the development of the Advising Center and how their partnerships contribute to student success.

Presenters: Tiwanda Taylor, Amy Evans, and David Bodnar

Watch the Recording



From Study Abroad to Global Experiences: How Global Opportunities on Campus and Abroad Can Contribute to Students’ Academic and Professional Success

Watch the Recording

Slide Deck

Data presented as part of NAFSA’s Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Act highlights how study abroad contributes to student success, indicating that students who study abroad have higher 4-year graduation rates, have higher GPAs, and are more employable, based on companies reporting the importance of global perspective for their staff. At the workshop we will share how existing global opportunities for students, locally and internationally, can help students advance their academic career and professional aspirations. We will also address the challenges and barriers for the students and welcome your perspective in the discussion.

Presenters: 

  • Oksana Stalczynski


me3 in Academic Advising: A Tool to Inform Career Conversations with Students 

Watch the Recording

Out of the work ignited by Pitt’s Strada grant, where we strive to eliminate racial and socioeconomic disparities in employment outcomes for our students and graduates, emerged a need for a product to help inform career-thinking and career conversations that was scalable. In this session, you’ll learn how to use me3®, which launched on the Pittsburgh campus in early 2023, and how to use the tool’s outputs to inform advising conversations with students.

Presenters: 

  • Jen Marco


Understanding the Unique Path of an International Student

Watch the Recording

International students face obstacles in their educational journey, beginning even prior to the application process. This workshop will describe the unique challenges inherent in the international student path, including visa regulations, restrictions on their stay in the U.S., and cultural adjustments necessary for success. This session will include case studies and discussion about the resources available on campus, with plenty of time reserved for Q&A.

Presenters: 

  • Kati Von Lehman


Student Experience Initiative: Discovery Findings and ATTAIN Student Engagement Dashboard

Watch the Recording

The Student Experience Initiative (SEI), which aims to document the student journey and understand what information students need, when they need it, and how they get it, is concluding its discovery phases and ready to share findings.  Synthesizing interview data from focus groups of students, their parents and guardians, and over 150 subject matter and area experts across the University, the SEI project team’s findings are essential to informing conversations with and around the student journey.  This session will recount the team’s findings and share areas of opportunity for improving the student journey. 

Presenters: 

  • Jen Marco
  • Jennifer Decima


An Introduction to Pitt’s Strada Grant Initiative: Career Ready Approaches in the Classroom and Beyond

Watch the Recording

In this workshop, we will provide a background on Pitt’s Strada grant, where we seek to eliminate racial and socioeconomic disparities in employment outcomes for Pitt’s students and graduates by integrating career advising into our existing student support services and programs.  We will walk through some data that informed the initiative and offer a few strategies that you, as faculty and staff, can do with your students right now to help them be more career-ready. 

Presenters: 

  • Karin Asher
  • Jennifer Cooper


Flourish at Pitt – Promoting Emotional Well-Being

​Watch the Recording

Student Support Guide

Student well-being is a shared campus responsibility—one that requires each member of the Pitt community to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills to effectively support our diverse student body. This workshop will explore ways for advisors and mentors of the Pitt community to enhance their knowledge and skills in supporting the emotional well-being of our students. Participants will have an opportunity to learn ways to increase student well-being and promote human flourishing, how to support students experiencing mental health concerns, and how to manage a student in crisis.

Presenters:

  • Ahmed Ghuman, Associate Director of Strategic Programs and Services, University Counseling Center
  • Bernadette Smith, Assistant Director of Outreach, University Counseling Center


Financial Wellness and Services: Referrals and Information for Advisors and Mentors

View the Slide Deck

Financial Wellness is a growing concern in higher education. From coverage on the student loan debt crisis, to reports on students struggling to pay their basic educational charges, students are constantly confronted with financial decisions and need more information on financial resources. Join us to discuss how the Financial Aid Wellness Center and the newly created Financial Wellness Program are helping to provide more financial information and creating programs to better inform and assist students for both short-term and long-time financial success.

Presenters:

  • Joel Philstin, Director, Financial Wellness Program
  • Janet McLaughlin, Assistant Director of Financial Aid Services

 
Career Champion Program
Contact Karin Asher for information about the Career Champion Program

Through the Career Champion program, Pitt’s Career Center aims to educate and empower our faculty and staff partners when having conversations with students about their career plans.  Participants will learn about the career decision-making process, hear best practices for career conversations, and learn about ethical considerations in the field of career services. Pitt’s Career Center recognizes the importance of our faculty and staff partners in the career education process, and this program will establish consistent University-wide messaging around career education for our students.  Participants will receive a certificate of completion and a digital badge to showcase that they are a member of the Career Champion community at Pitt.

Presenters:

  • Karin Asher, Associate Director of the Career Center
  • Ryan Sweeny, Assistant Director for Career Development
  • Alyssa Camerota, Career Consultant for Undecided Students


Wellness and Resilience for College and Beyond: An Undergraduate Course to Foster Student Wellness
Email abelback@pitt.edu for access to the recording.

This workshop will provide advisors with an overview of the Wellness and Resilience Course (WRC) offered at the University of Pittsburgh. The WRC was originally developed at the University of Washington, where nearly 1,000 students per year enroll. The WRC teaches students evidence-based skills for improving mental health and wellness from the fields of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and positive psychology. This presentation will focus on the course content, delivery, and student experience to allow advisors a detailed understanding of what this course is about and what the experience of participating is like for students. Also discussed will be Dr. Carla Chugani’s research related to the course to show how participating can help support student mental health and wellbeing.

Presenter:

  • Carla D. Chugani, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine


Understanding the Unique Path of an International Student

Watch the Recording

International students face obstacles in their educational journey, beginning even prior to the application process.  This workshop will describe the unique challenges inherent in the international student path, including visa regulations, restrictions on their stay in the U.S., and cultural adjustments necessary for success.  This interactive session will include case studies and discussion about the resources available on campus, with plenty of time reserved for Q&A.  

Presenter:

  • Delo Blough, J.D., Director, Office of International Services


The Benefits of Innovation

Presentation Deck

This workshop will explore how the process of innovation benefits students—during their time here at Pitt and in their careers post-graduation. Take advantage of a hands-on demonstration of how students can learn innovation through a mini-Big Idea Blitz that condenses a 24-hour program for students into a one-hour session designed to help advisors and mentors communicate the powers of innovative thinking to your students.

Presenters:

  • Babs Carryer, Director, Big Idea Center, University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute


Helping Advisors Help Students Navigate Disability Resources and Services (DRS)

Presentation Deck

Join this workshop for insights into how advisors and mentors can assist students in navigating the DRS office and processes. Learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including education. Get an overview of disability information and best practices on language for advising and helping students. DRS disability specialists will also share how to provide proactive outreach to students, specifically with resources related to Pitt.

Presenters:

  • Chad Jurica, Disability Specialist
  • Amy Arnold, Disability Specialist, Disability Resources and Services


Incorporating Civic Engagement into Advising 

Watch the Recording

The Pathways for Civic Growth project team presented on integrating civic mindedness and engagement into advising and the institutional culture at Pitt. As this project continues to scale up in its second year of funding through the Provost’s Personalized Education Initiative, the team looks forward to collaborating with new partners across Pitt’s many schools and departments to make the Pathways for Civic Growth a part of every advisor’s toolbox. The focus of this meeting was to introduce attendees to the civic diagnostic tool, mentoring protocol, and resources for directing students to civic experiences that fit their needs via a central location for opportunities.

Presenters:

  • Linda DeAngelo, Associate Professor, Administrative and Policy Studies, School of Education
  • Lina Dostilio, Associate Vice Chancellor for Community Engagement, Community and Governmental Relations
  • Holly Hickling, Academic Community Engagement Advisor, University Honors College
  • Sarah Kurz, PhD Student and Graduate Researcher, Administrative and Policy Studies, School of Education
  • Meredith Mavero, Manager of Student Programs and Community Outreach, Institute of Politics
  • Alka Singh, Director of Experiential Learning, School of Computing and Information
6. Advising Profession and Practice

Coordination as Vital to Holistic Advising: Findings from the Tyton Partners “2023 Driving Towards a Degree Report”
November 14, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

Pitt Act Competency Six: Advising Profession and Practice

Abstract: This year’s Driving Toward a Degree study surveyed over 2,000 students and 1,700 institutional stakeholders, revealing key barriers and opportunities to better support students. Lack of coordination was identified as a key area as hindering the practice of holistic advising in institutions. Achieving holistic advising comes from coordination and integration between student supports, defined as physical co-location, digital co-location, integrated data and systems, and effective communication between providers. Catherine Shaw, Director of Strategy Consulting and Education at Tyton Partners will present on this section of the study.

Presenter: Catherine Shaw, Director, Tyton Partners

Slide Deck

Watch Recording


Student Success Hub Overview
October 24, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

Pitt Act Competency Five: Campus Resources
Pitt Act Competency Six: Advising Profession and Practice

Abstract: This workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of the vision and mission of the Student Success Hub. We will provide an overview of the services available in the hub, the support resources offered, and how the team works in partnership with other campus departments to support students.

Presenters: April Belback, Associate Vice Provost of Student Success and Advising

Watch Recording


Strengths-Based Advising – Helping Our Students Discover Their Inherent Talent and a Unique Path to Success
October 19, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

Pitt Act Competency Six: Advising Profession and Practice

Abstract: In this workshop, we will introduce the element of positive psychology and explore the theory and practice behind a strength’s-based advising approach. We will discuss the benefits of applying a strength’s-based advising model and explore the ways in which students can utilize this approach to achieve success as college students and future professionals. We will examine the Clifton Strengths Assessment as a helpful tool in assessing inherent talent and unique potential for success!

Presenters

  • Kaitlyn Washko, Academic Advisor, Swanson School of Engineering
  • Kevin Riley, Academic Advisor, College of Business Administration

Watch Recording


Making Referrals
September 28, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.

Pitt Act Competency Six: Advising Profession and Practice

Abstract: In this workshop, you’ll learn about the referral process in Pathways, Pitt’s new advising and student success platform. We’ll cover when and how to make a referral in Pathways as well as what different offices do in response to a referral.

Presenters: Michael Brubaker, Advising Technology Manager, Office of the Provost

Watch Recording



Advisor Self-Care
September 26, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

Pitt Act Competency Six: Advising Profession and Practice

Abstract: Helping others succeed at the game of school can be rewarding -- though also draining -- work. This workshop will focus on learning to better identify and voice your own self-care needs as advisors to others. Together, let's learn and share more about ways to promote our own well-being at work and maintain the balance needed to help our students.

Presenters: Dani Soltis, Coordinator for Clinical Services, University Counseling Center

Watch Recording



Unmasking the Impostor Phenomenon
July 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.

Pitt Act Competency Five: Campus Resources
Pitt Act Competency Six: Advising Profession and Practice

Abstract: Impostor Phenomenon, also known as Impostor Syndrome, was coined in 1978 by Pauline Rose Clance, PhD, ABPP, and Suzanne Imes (Clance & Imes, 1978). The phenomenon can be defined as feelings of self-doubt about a person’s accomplishments and abilities, and a fear of being exposed as a fraud. Students attending a higher education institution are likely to experience this phenomenon, as well as staff and faculty. This session will define the phenomenon and provide staff, faculty, and other student success personnel strategies to help students overcome the Impostor Phenomenon.

Presenters: Lynnsey Doane

Watch the Recording



Providing Culturally Responsive Care on Campus
June 13, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

Pitt Act Competency Five: Campus Resources
Pitt Act Competency Six: Advising Profession and Practice

Abstract: This workshop will focus on providing culturally responsive care to students. Participants will have an opportunity to explore the impact of mental health stigma and its harmful effects, learn about racism and mental health and how to respond to racial trauma, become familiar with a holistic wellness approach to promote racial healing, and increase knowledge and awareness to better support LGBTQIA+ students. This session is designed to increase the awareness, skills, and knowledge of working with students from diverse and marginalized communities.

Presenters: Ahmed Ghuman and Bernadette Smith

Watch the Recording



Developing Strengths Workshop

Watch the Recording

The Developing Strengths Workshop is intended to provide advisors with an overview of personal strength identification and development. During the session, we will discuss what strengths are, why it is important to reflect on and acknowledge our strengths, and how we can leverage our strengths when talking with students and working with each other. Attendees will participate in reflection and discussion, both in small breakout groups and as a larger group.

Presenters: 

  • Jennifer Cooper


Navigating Challenging Advising Conversations

Watch the Recording

In this workshop, participants will learn about navigating challenging advising conversations and follow the format: Define, Depict, Discuss. The presentation will address four areas related to this topic: Academic Standing, Holistic Student Support, Families and Parents, and Faculty. Each topic will include a discussion about inclusive practices and considerations then conclude with an exercise so that participants can consider how they can apply strategies within their respective institutions and advising practices.

Presenters:

  • Devin Ulm, Academic Advisor, Swanson School of Engineering
  • Danielle Bonatesta, Academic Advisor, School of Computing and Information


Flourish at Pitt – Promoting Emotional Well-Being

​Watch the Recording

Student Support Guide

Student well-being is a shared campus responsibility—one that requires each member of the Pitt community to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills to effectively support our diverse student body. This workshop will explore ways for advisors and mentors of the Pitt community to enhance their knowledge and skills in supporting the emotional well-being of our students. Participants will have an opportunity to learn ways to increase student well-being and promote human flourishing, how to support students experiencing mental health concerns, and how to manage a student in crisis.

Presenters:

  • Ahmed Ghuman, Associate Director of Strategic Programs and Services, University Counseling Center
  • Bernadette Smith, Assistant Director of Outreach, University Counseling Center


Developing a Holistic and Collaborative Advising Approach: Case Studies from Pitt Advisors and Mentors

Watch the Recording

There are myriad ways to approach advising and mentoring to fit the diverse Pitt student body and different academic units across our institution. This session will feature a panel discussion of four academic advisors at Pitt who approach their advising practice in different ways yet offer holistic and collaborative strategies for advising students. 

Presenters:

  • Strengths-Based Advising – Elizabeth Adams, College of Business Administration
  • Learning-Centered Advising – Rachel Parkes and Jen Gentzel, School of Computing and Information
  • Advising as Coaching – Michele Lagnese, TRIO Student Support Services 


In-class Belonging Initiatives to Support Student Sense of Belonging 

Watch the Recording

Join us to learn more about the collaborative efforts between the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC), Office of the Provost, and the Teaching Center which involves teaching instructors to deliver an in-class exercise at the beginning of the term that is designed to change classroom norms about the meaning of adversity and belonging in that course. We have focused thus far on large, gateway STEM courses and our efforts have shown good results. This session provides faculty with tools to implement and adopt the intervention in your course content. We also announce train the trainer opportunities.



Creating a Culture of Caring in the Classroom

Watch the Recording

In our most recent Pitt Gallup Study, one of the key findings included that students favored professors exhibit behaviors in their teaching and approach with students that demonstrate an interest in students and the subject matter – and is reflected in the energy they bring to the classroom. Specifically, students indicated the importance of creating a culture of caring in the classroom by:

  • taking time to notice students
  • extending to accommodate students
  • affirming and encouraging students

This session will dig deeper into these behaviors and discuss practical ways to incorporate them into teaching and learning.



Lunch and Learn: Holistic and Intrusive Advising Approaches for Student Retention

Download the slide deck

Discussion Leads:

  • Michael Farabaugh, Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes
  • April Belback, Director of Undergraduate Advising and Mentoring


Taking Care of Yourself First: Advisor Self-Care

Watch the Recording (Pitt login required)
Presentation Deck (Pitt login required)
Handout: Self-Care While Working from Home

Explore new ways to engage in self-care. Members of the University Counseling Center will guide participants through a variety of self-care activities, as well as discuss ways to engage in self-care while working from home. This event will provide an opportunity to rebalance, restore, and rejuvenate yourself!  In the words of Maya Angelou, “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” So come join us and learn new ways to take care of yourself! 

Presenters: 

  • Ahmed Ghuman, PsyD, MBA, LPC, Associate Director of Strategic Programs and Services
  • Cassandra Long, LSW, Psychotherapist, Care Coordinator


Improvisation for Advising Conversations

Training Video and Online Resources
Pitt Magazine Article

Improvisation is becoming increasingly recognized as a critical skill for engaging in productive conversations. Recently, improv has been brought into higher education spaces as a key training modality for academic advising. Through a series of facilitated simulations and role-playing with real Pitt students, advisors will have a chance to learn, share, and practice new approaches to bring to their advising work.

Presenters:

  • Olivia Hartle, Project Manager and Applied Improvisation Practitioner-Scholar; and April Belback, Director of Undergraduate Advising and Mentoring, Office of the Provost

This event is part of Pitt's Year of Creativity initiative.



Incorporating Civic Engagement into Advising 

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The Pathways for Civic Growth project team presented on integrating civic mindedness and engagement into advising and the institutional culture at Pitt. As this project continues to scale up in its second year of funding through the Provost’s Personalized Education Initiative, the team looks forward to collaborating with new partners across Pitt’s many schools and departments to make the Pathways for Civic Growth a part of every advisor’s toolbox. The focus of this meeting was to introduce attendees to the civic diagnostic tool, mentoring protocol, and resources for directing students to civic experiences that fit their needs via a central location for opportunities.

Presenters:

  • Linda DeAngelo, Associate Professor, Administrative and Policy Studies, School of Education
  • Lina Dostilio, Associate Vice Chancellor for Community Engagement, Community and Governmental Relations
  • Holly Hickling, Academic Community Engagement Advisor, University Honors College
  • Sarah Kurz, PhD Student and Graduate Researcher, Administrative and Policy Studies, School of Education
  • Meredith Mavero, Manager of Student Programs and Community Outreach, Institute of Politics
  • Alka Singh, Director of Experiential Learning, School of Computing and Information


Inclusive Mentoring: Using Social Psychological Interventions to Improve Mentoring and Learning of All Students

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College mentors often de-emphasize students’ motivational characteristics—e.g., their sense of belonging, self-efficacy, and their views about whether intelligence is fixed or malleable.  These characteristics can especially impact learning outcomes of women and underrepresented students, and stereotype threats exacerbate these issues.  This session discussed research studies that show how mentoring and coaching students using different types of social psychological interventions can improve the motivation and learning of all students, especially women and those from underrepresented groups.

Presenters:​

  • Kevin Binning, research scientist, Learning Research and Development Center, and assistant professor, Department of Psychology
  • Chandralekha Singh, director, Discipline-based Science Education Research Center, and professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy