Kansas State University

NACADA hosts successful international virtual academic advising conference

Submitted by Patrice Scott

NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising proceeded virtually with its 2020 Annual Conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally slated to take place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the association provided an opportunity for learning and engagement for nearly 2,300 professionals from across the world in the field of academic advising.

In its inaugural Virtual Annual Conference hosted Oct. 5-8, NACADA offered a four-day event with a wide range of concurrent sessions, preconference workshops, networking and social activities and two keynote speakers.

During the conference, the Kansas State University special education, counseling, and student affairs department hosted a virtual reception for current students and alumni of its master's and doctoral programs, and NACADA's research center hosted various informational sessions for participants.

"The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants is a sign that the move to a virtual event provided outstanding value to those who registered," said Charlie Nutt, NACADA executive director. "The success of the event is proof that it is still possible to effectively connect and engage with members, practitioners, faculty and administrators virtually in spite of the pandemic."

Delegates from 11 countries participated in and presented at the virtual conference, including eight K-State presenters:

• Robert Pettay, instructor of kinesiology, "No One is an Island: Using Motivational Advising to Enhance the Advising Experience."
• Craig McGill, assistant professor of special education, counseling and student affairs, "Mapping Out the Process of Academic Advising: Towards a Substantive Theory"; "Administrators' Perceptions of Academic Advising Roles, Functions and Purposes: Results from an Empirical Study"; "Developing NACADA Journal Authors: Voices from the Field."
• InSoon Hoagland, doctoral student in counseling and student development, "Pursuing and Completing a Doctorate in a Supportive Community: No Student is an Island."
• Lisa Rubin, associate professor of special education, counseling and student affairs, "Developing NACADA Journal Authors: Voices from the Field."
• Monshonda Booker, doctoral student in counseling and student development, "Using Motivation to Empower First-Generation Students of Color: A Paradigm Shift for Academic Advising."
• Doris Wright Carroll, associate professor of special education, counseling and student affairs, "Recognizing Colonialism in Academic Advising: Starting Strategies to Decolonize Advising Services."
• Kelly Briggs, academic advisor, "Why Honors? Advisors Working as a Team to Support High-Achieving Students."
• Wendy Troxel, associate professor and director of the NACADA Research Center, "Pursuing and Completing a Doctorate in A Supportive Community: No Student is an Island."