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By Angela Neri | December 13, 2021

During the fall 2021 semester, the Advisor Training and Development Team launched the Advisor Mentoring Program pilot and the first semester of the AAT 301, Developing as an Academic Advising Professional webcourse.

Three mentoring pairs (six advisors) participated in the Advisor Mentoring Program pilot:

  • Amber Carducci, College of Community Innovation and Education (Mentor)
  • Ashley Crawford, College of Health Professions and Sciences (Mentee)
  • Laura Czerkies, Burnett Honors College (Mentor)
  • Jessica Fasano, College of Nursing (Mentor)
  • Jinessa Fasnacht, College of Community Innovation and Education (Mentee)
  • Kassidy James, College of Business Administration (Mentee)

The program focused on connection, discussion, and practice to support the growth of new advisors at UCF. The program included monthly mentor/mentee meetings, article reviews, and two book club discussions to support personal and professional growth. The pilot program will conclude at the end of January 2022.

Four advisors began the semester-long, AAT 301 Developing as an Academic Advising Professional webcourse. The course includes topics on advising theory and approaches, professional resources, and self-care. Some of the course activities included goal setting, developing a professional development plan, exploring areas of higher education, and the creation of an academic advising philosophy. The webcourse culminated with a portfolio presentation and a personal/professional reflection.

Congratulations to the first cohort on completing the course:

  • Emel Bihorac, Knights Major Exploration and Transition Center
  • Anna Canlon, College of Engineering and Computer Science
  • Jennifer Farran, School of Kinesiology and Physical Therapy
  • Nina Leonard, College of Business Administration

Congratulations also to Megan Mitchell (CCIE), who completed the course pilot in Summer 2021 and provided feedback on the course content and timeline before the fall 2021 launch. A special thank you to Cynthia Contreras (College of Medicine), Jacob Lawhon (College of Nursing), and Tijuana Rollins (College of Community Innovation and Education), who assisted with the development of course content.

Advisors who complete the mentoring program and webcourse receive credit on their training and development summary in myUCF. The Advisor Mentoring Program and AAT 301 webcourse will be offered in the spring 2022 semester. These opportunities are currently open to Academic Advisors only (Advising Job Family, Advisor sub-family). Eligible advisors received an invitation to participate via an email from the ATD Team.