Virginia Tech celebrates academic advisors during Global Advising Week
NACADA (Global Community for Academic Advising) is celebrating its 40th birthday this year. To honor that milestone and celebrate the advising profession around the world, Virginia Tech is recognizing academic advisors and their dedication to student success.
“This week, in observance of Global Advising Week (May 3-9), 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.
Academic Advising Initiatives has created a #VTadvisingmatters Kudoboard for faculty, staff, and students to post virtual shout outs with photos, video, or text for their favorite advisor, colleague, or advising team. “It is a fun and creative way for us to show appreciation for one another,” said Lauren Thomas, interim director for 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. The letters for spring will be delivered during Global Advising Week.
- 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 month. 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 kicked off Global Advising Week with an Executive Office Global "Wave" video shout out to all the advising professionals, personal tutors, counselors, and coaches who are at the heart of the profession. Charlie Nutt, executive director for NACADA, starts the video by saying, “You know who’s really doing phenomenal work? It’s our members. Every single day, from home, they’re working with students, making them feel safe, and making them feel successful.”
View NACADA’s schedule of events to continue the celebration this week.
Written by Chenaye Blankenship
