NEW – Academic Advising Certificate Program

The Academic Advising Certificate program serves as a cornerstone for enhancing the quality of academic advising services, promoting student success, and advancing the professionalism of the academic advising field within higher education and SUNY. The program equips advisors to support a diverse range of students, including those from underrepresented or marginalized communities, nontraditional students, and international students, and will enable advisors to be updated on emerging trends, research findings, and innovative practices, continually enhancing their effectiveness in supporting students. Developed in coordination with the SUNY Academic Advising Community of Practice, the overarching goal of the program is to contribute to a community of practice of SUNY academic advisors who support each other and advocate for advising across the system.

This program offers three courses:

Course 1: Foundations of Academic Advising

May 19-June 30, 2025

This course explores the principles and practices of academic advising, emphasizing developmental, appreciative, holistic, and transactional/prescriptive approaches while highlighting the profession’s shift towards more student-centered models. It integrates NACADA’s Core Values and the concept of advising as teaching to bridge theory and practice for enhanced student success. Additionally, the course covers career and academic planning, including problem-solving, decision-making, and goal setting, with a focus on supporting unique student populations such as first-generation, nontraditional, and transfer students.

Course 2: Building Advising Relationships and Pathways

July 1-August 11, 2025

This course delves into the fundamentals of communication in academic advising, focusing on emotional and cultural intelligence to establish rapport and create meaningful relationships. It covers the use of advising syllabi to set expectations, crafting effective messages across various platforms, and assisting students in navigating institutional systems. Additionally, the course addresses diversity and inclusion, exploring intersectionality, tailoring strategies for specific populations, and advocating for students through institutional barriers.

Course Three: Sustaining Excellence and Professional Growth as an Advisor

September 22-November 4, 2025

This course equips participants with applied advising skills through role-playing scenarios, case study analysis, and the development of real-world solutions, culminating in the creation of a versatile advising toolkit. It covers the ethical foundations of advising, including FERPA, HIPAA, Title IX, and Title VI, ensuring advisors can navigate confidentiality and legal requirements. Additionally, the course emphasizes professional growth and self-care, staying current with advising trends, and building a supportive community through engagement with professional networks and peer learning.

Who should take these courses: Anyone serving in an advising role on campus, including professional advisors, faculty advisors, EOP Personnel, Student Affairs Staff and Success Coaches.

All courses will be asynchronous within Brightspace utilizing discussions, readings and case studies.