Advising Chats

Advising Chats

Advising Chats serve as professional development opportunities for members to connect, share, network, and learn. We strive to offer a variety of topics that might include theory-to-practice scholarship, resources and programs, and advising practices.

Modality and Accessibility

The modality choice for any given Advising Chat is first determined by presenter preferences. For sessions that are offered in a virtual or hybrid format, it is then up to the discretion of the presenter whether we will record that session as we would like to honor their time, labor, and comfort level. We will do our best to advertise whether or not a session will be recorded in advance; however, know that sometimes these decisions change for a variety of reasons. Also know that many of our Advising Chats are interactive in nature, so you may gain more from a session by attending live, as you are able.

Fall 2025 Advising Chats

Supporting Students Post-DEI

• Date: Tuesday, September 16
• Time: 12:00–1:00 p.m.
• Location: Zoom
• Facilitator: Jess Hoopengardner
• Description: Legal interpretations of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs have changed, shifting what programs and procedures are allowed on college campuses. Join this VT Advising Network Chat to explore practical strategies, share experiences, and discuss ways to uphold the Virginia Tech Principles of Community for all students in advising while maintaining compliance.

Financial Concerns of Today’s College Students: A Fireside Chat

• Date: Wednesday, October 8
• Time: 12:00–1:00 p.m.
• Location: Zoom
• Facilitator: Megan Darmanin
• Description: Join us for an informal conversation on the financial challenges students face in higher education. We’ll explore national survey data from Trellis Research, highlight key concerns impacting student success, and leave plenty of time for Q&A. This session is designed to be an open dialogue rather than a formal presentation.

Building Leadership & Management Skills in Higher Ed

• Date: Wednesday, October 15
• Time: 12:00–1:00 p.m.
• Location: Zoom
• Facilitator: Michele Carter
• Description: Academic advising professionals play a vital role in student success—and their own professional growth matters too. In this session, we’ll explore learning opportunities designed to help advisors strengthen both leadership and managerial capabilities. From navigating team dynamics to leading change and developing others, this presentation highlights training programs and resources that support your journey beyond advising into broader leadership roles. Whether you're supervising others or preparing for future advancement, come discover how to invest in your growth and expand your impact across campus.

Advisors Becoming Authors: Writing About Advising

• Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
• Time: 12:00–1:00 p.m.
• Location: Zoom
• Facilitators: Melissa Cumbia & Sarah Bechtel
• Description: Academic advisors may feel uncertain about whether they have the time or expertise to publish about their work, but writing can offer advisors rewarding benefits. During this virtual chat, we will:
  • Examine the benefits of writing about advising
  • Discuss selecting a writing topic
  • Offer practical guidance on managing and completing an advising writing project
  • Discuss common writing pitfalls, especially when balancing writing with other advising duties

This session will be helpful both for advisors interested in writing and for supervisors looking to support team members with writing projects.