Academic Advisor Professional Development
Request for Professional Development - College of Science Embedded Academic Advisors
The College of Science Dean's Office Advising Team is pleased to hear you are interested in professional development. Submit your professional development request by completing the appropriate form below pertaining to memberships, conferences, webinars, etc.
Your request will be reviewed and you will receive notification of the status of your request within 3-5 business days.
Virginia Tech Advisor Resources
fall 2025 Professional development Resources
Plugged into Advising: Fall 2025 Advising Kick-Off
Date: August 11, 2025
Time: 10:00-12:00 PM
Location: via Zoom
Description: Kicking off the Fall semester with updates from Academic Advising Initiatives, the Colleges, Registrar’s Office, and the Advising Network
Social Event: Welcome Back Social
Description: Come when you can, a chance to say hi/connect!
Date: September 3, 2025
Time: 5:15-7:00 PM
Location: Iron Tree Brewing in Christiansburg
Plugged into Advising: Documenting Interactions in Navigate
Date: September 9, 2025
Time: 1:00-2:00 PM
Location: via Zoom
Description: This session will explore strategies and considerations for documenting student interactions including appointment summaries, texting, and emails. We’ll highlight tools in Navigate and share guidance to support consistent and effective advising practices.
Advising Chat: Supporting Students Post-DEI
Date: September 16, 2025
Time: 12:00-1:00 PM
Location: Zoom
Speaker(s): Jess Hoopengardner
Description: In the wake of shifting institutional priorities around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), how can advisors continue to advocate for and support students from historically marginalized backgrounds? Join this VT Advising Network Chat to explore practical strategies, share experiences, and discuss ways to maintain inclusive advising practices in a changing landscape.
Social Event: Virginia Tech Historical Walking Tour Social
Description: Come learn about the history of exclusion and inclusion on the campus through a walking tour hosted by Heath Furrow!
Date: September 23, 2025
Time: 11:00-12:00 PM
Location: Meet in front of Lane Hall
Plugged into Advising: A Compassionate Response to Crisis
Date: September 24, 2025
Time: 3:00-4:00 PM
Location: via Zoom
Description: Every crisis situation presents its own unique challenges. In this session, we will explore how we can support individuals through the use of de-escalation techniques, listening skills, and access to 24/7 resources, while maintaining a lens of compassion for them and ourselves. This training with Hokie Wellness will focus specifically on situations that advisors are likely to face.
Social Event: Mid-Semester Social
Description: Course Request can be scary! Wear a fun costume (optional) to celebrate Halloween/October with us!
Date: October 16, 2025
Time: 5:15-7:00 PM
Location: Eastern Divide in Blacksburg
Social Event: Coffee Hour Social
Description: Come when you can, a chance to say hi/connect!
Date: November 5, 2025
Time: 9:00-10:30 AM
Location: Coffeeholics in Blacksburg
Social Event: End of Semester Social (sponsored by Property Management)
Description: Food/Drinks sponsored by Property Management at VT
Date: December 10, 2025
Time: 5:30-7:00 PM
Location: The Maroon Door in Blacksburg
Plugged into Advising: NACADA Webinar
Date: December 11, 2025
Time: 2:00-3:00 PM
Location: 2420/2430 North End Center (NEC)
Viewing of: Supporting Students Through a Trauma-Informed Lense
Description: More students are arriving on campus with experiences of trauma that shape how they learn, engage, and seek support. Academic advisors are often among the first professionals to build trust. This webinar will introduce foundational principles of trauma-informed advising, equipping you with practical strategies to recognize signs of trauma, respond with empathy, and help students connect to resources if needed.
Presenters Kaiti Blackburn (Jana's Campaign) and Shantalea Johns (Wayne State University) will draw on research and their lived experiences to discuss how trauma can impact a student's brain, behavior, motivation, and academic performance. You'll learn how to create safer advising spaces, support students through challenges, and make intentional choices that foster dignity and belonging, without overstepping your role or taking on more than is sustainable.