UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- “Updating the Advising Toolbox: Understanding the Complex Needs of Today’s Students” is the theme of the 12th annual professional development conference on academic advising, scheduled to take place Wednesday, Sept. 18, at The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel.
This annual event is for academic advisers, faculty members who advise and others interested in the field of academic advising. Conference fee and registration information is available at http://dus.psu.edu/advisers/conf_fall13.html.Plenary speaker Sam Richards, co-director of Penn State’s World in Conversation Project and senior lecturer in sociology, will present "Steering Into the Curve: How Embracing Sensitive Issues Can Benefit Students." Sophia McClennen, director of Penn State’s Center for Global Studies and professor of international affairs and comparative literature, will present "The Challenges of Connecting with Others" as the lunchtime keynote session.
Numerous concurrent sessions throughout the day will address best practices, approaches and tools that can assist in meeting the advising needs of students from special populations, such as veterans; underprepared students; students with disabilities; distance learners; students with diverse cultural and ethnic experiences; returning adult students; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students; and students transitioning from other institutions or through challenging personal circumstances.
Sponsoring the 2013 conference are the Division of Undergraduate Studies, Office of Undergraduate Education, University Faculty Senate, Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, and The Mentor: An Academic Advising Journal.