Academic Advising Assessment Workshop

This workshop focused on the components of a successful assessment program, and provided UW universities’ teams with strategies, tools, and resources for improving assessment of advising programs. Attendees learned how to communicate information with to those with a vested interest and how to use data-driven approaches to inform practices and improve student success. Teams will continue to work on action plans in spring 2025 to enhance advising assessment at their university. In the spring semester, NACADA will provide follow-up consultation with each team to support implementation of their plans.

This workshop was co-sponsored by the Universities of Wisconsin, Complete College Accelerator, and Complete College America in partnership with NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising.

NACADA Facilitator

Wendy Troxel | Director
NACADA Center for Research AT Kansas State University

Dr. Wendy Troxel (she/her) is the Director of the NACADA Center for Research at Kansas State University, which opened in the fall of 2017. The center provides opportunities for research and professional development to a diverse global membership and the academic advising profession. As an Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education, Counseling, and Student Affairs (SECSA) at K-State, Wendy teaches graduate-level classes in research methods and assessment of academic advising; supports the scholarly work of students; and serves as Coordinator of the PhD in Leadership in Academic Advising program. Her research interests are in the areas of teaching, learning, and academic advising throughout the critical transitions of higher education, formative assessment techniques in the classroom, the program assessment process, and strategies for success for first-generation students. She earned her doctorate in educational leadership at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, with special emphases in both educational research and education law.

NACADA Facilitator

Kathy Zarges | Assistant Dean
Advising, Student Success, and Licensure at Kent State University

Dr. Kathy Zarges (she/her) is Assistant Dean of Advising, Student Success, and Licensure in the College of Education, Health and Human Services at Kent State University. She is a two-time graduate of Kent State University, including earning her Ed.D. in May 2024 in Interprofessional Leadership. For over 20 years, Kathy has dedicated her career to academic advising, advising administration / leadership, and supporting postsecondary students. She received the Outstanding Advising Administrator award through NACADA, The Global Community for Academic Advising, in 2018. She has been involved in leadership with NACADA, through which she has presented, published, and consulted on various topics related to academic advising. She is co-author of the two-part NACADA Assessment Pocket Guide series, Breaking Down Assessment of Academic Advising. Her leadership in NACADA includes faculty, chair, and advisory board member for the Assessment Institute and advisory board and member of NACADA Consulting.

Workshop Agenda Overview

December 9

• 9:30-10 a.m.: Check-in (coffee and tea available)
• 10-10:25 a.m.: Welcome and Introductions
• 10:25-10:55 a.m.: Keynote on “All Mirrors and No Smoke: Setting the stage for evidence that matters in academic advising”
• 10:55 a.m.-noon:  The Assessment Cycle Unpacked:  Critical elements for systemic awareness
• Noon-1 p.m.: Lunch
• 1-1:45 p.m.: Blatant Advising: Articulating values, mission, vision, and intended outcomes
• 1:45-3 p.m.: Work time in teams
• 3-3:15 p.m.: Break
• 3:15-4 p.m.: Framing Academic Advising Programs: Concepts, values, standards, and core principles
• 4-4:45 p.m.: How will we know it when we see it? Prepping for evidence
• 4:45-5 p.m.: Closing of Day 1
• 5-6 p.m.: Reception (light appetizers and cash bar)

December 10

• 8 a.m.: Breakfast available
• 8:30-9 a.m.: Welcome Back
• 9-9:45 a.m.: Are we teaching what we think we are teaching? Mapping outcomes
• 9:45-10:15 a.m.: Work Time
• 10:15-10:30 a.m.: Break
• 10:30-11 a.m.: Inclusive Assessment
• 11 a.m.-noon: Navigating the Road Ahead
• Noon-12:45 p.m.: Lunch
• 12:45-1:30 p.m.: Pulling it All Together: The action plan (work session)
• 1:30-2:40 p.m.: Report Out: Key aspects of your action plan
• 2:40-3 p.m.: Closing Remarks and Next Steps