June 6 | Provo Library
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8:15-9:00am |
Registration and Breakfast |
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9:00-9:55am |
Welcome and Keynote |
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10:00-10:50am |
Session 1 |
Provo Library - See Breakout Sessions Below |
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10:55-11:45pm |
Session 2 |
Provo Library - See Breakout Sessions Below |
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11:50-12:40pm |
Lunch |
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12:45-1:35pm |
Session 3 |
Provo Library - See Breakout Sessions Below |
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1:40-2:30pm |
Session 4 |
Provo Library - See Breakout Sessions Below |
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2:35-3:45pm |
Raffle prizes, Awards, Conclusion |
*Parking Information can be found here.
Alison Faulkner
Alison's Bio:
Alison Faulkner is a branding and events expert, host of the podcast Awesome with Alison a top 100 health and wellness podcast, consultant for Fortune 500 companies, writer, speaker, artist, self-proclaimed nonsense dancer, author, and CEO of Alison’s Brand School, partnering with Microsoft and Alaska Airlines among others. Alison is obsessed with her kids, husband, family, and friends.
Presenter: Sherry Page and Adrie Green
Location: Young Card Room 308
Competency:
(PURPLE) Advisors are inclusive in nature and care about the individual needs and circumstances of every student.
How do traditional guidelines for advising apply to students with disabilities? Full course-load? Math and English in the first year? Virtual vs in-person? Math substitution?
Speaker Bio:
Sherry Page is the Senior Director of Accessibility Services at Utah Valley University. In this role, she leads efforts to ensure equal access and support for students by maintaining compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Before joining UVU in January 2020, Sherry worked as an accessibility advocate, a special education administrator, an assistive technology specialist, and a staffing specialist in employee accommodations.
Speaker Bio:
AdrieGreen is the Program Director of Support Services for UVU's Accessibility Services. She oversees the Peer Mentoring and Learning Specialist programs and is responsible for planning and implementing outreach and marketing strategies for the department. Adrie has a Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and has worked with the disability community for ten years in various roles including Rehabilitation Counselor, Grant Manager, and Accessibility Counselor. Adrie is passionate about creating inclusive and supportive environments for individuals with disabilities and has been fortunate to build and be a part of such spaces throughout her career.
Presenters: Julie Harps and Dave Oakeson
Location: Bullock Room 309
Competency:
(YELLOW) Advisors provide information to their students using a variety of communication methods and soft skills.
Are there times you haven’t connected with advisees and are uncertain why? Are you interested in skills that will help build student trust and relationships? Join us to learn how careful student observation can strengthen and improve advisor and advisee rapport. We will explore principles of counseling through observation techniques of the client’s verbal, para-verbal and non-verbal behavior. We will also discuss the effective use of silence, minimal encouragers, key word repetition, paraphrasing, and summarizing during an advising appointment. Additionally, we will look at the implications of these counseling principles through a cultural lens. Understanding these concepts will help advisors communicate more effectively and help build trust. When used judiciously, these counseling skills will allow advisors to uncover underlying issues at the core of students’ concerns.
Speaker Bio:
Julie has been working in advising at UVU for almost ten years. She leads a team of fourteen advisors as the Director of Academic advising in the Smith College of Engineering and Technology. She enjoys playing tennis, reading non-fiction, and watching old silent movies with organ accompaniment.
Speaker Bio:
Dave has been an advisor for nine years and is currently serving in the Honors Program. He has degrees and certificates from BYU, University of Utah, and Kansas State University. He is a former high school math and art teacher. He loves being with spouse and son Sandra and Abe. He loves gardening and would love to be the gardener for the Royal Family.
Presenters: Sheila Nielson and Justin Duckwitz
Location: Brimhall Room 302
Competency:
(GREEN) Advisors model professional behavior.
When was the last time you woke up on a workday without an alarm and felt fully rejuvenated and ready to serve students at UVU? Or is smacking the snooze button twice every morning before dragging yourself out of bed more common? You also might be somewhere in between. What about your students? Do you think they are energized at 8:00am every day? We serve students of all ages. Circadian rhythms of sleep vary for our students, and the younger students at UVU have significant melatonin differences than our adult learners. Through this presentation, we will explore the sleep needs of college students as well as some of our own requirements as advisors. Attendees will leave with Twelve Tips for Healthy Sleep.
Speaker Bio:
Sheila Norton Nielson was born and raised in California--mostly San Diego with some Palo Alto and Sacramento thrown in. She moved to her beloved Midway in 1998, started working at UVSC Wasatch Campus in 1999, and has never left. Sheila has taught over 150 sections of classes at UVU including Psychology 1100, Psychology 1010, English 1010, English 2010, and yoga. In April, her first grandbaby was born in Hawaii…it is a great place to visit, but it is so far away! She loves walking, reading, and eating good food.
Speaker Bio:
Justin Duckwitz is currently a First-Year advisor for students exploring majors at UVU, as well as an adjunct English instructor teaching first-year writing. He’s passionate about helping first-year students find resources, help, and the confidence they need to be successful. His graduate work was at BYU, where he received an MFA in English, specifically writing poetry. He enjoys spending time with family as well as overnight backpacking adventures.
Presenters: Samantha Briggs
Location: Young Special Events Room 201
Competency:
(ORANGE) Advisors employ a variety of advising approaches and methods to impact the success of students.
Overbearing helicopter or MVP (Most Valuable Partner) in student success? Today’s parents and families are more involved than ever before in their student’s college education. In this session we’ll discuss the growth of parent and family engagement in higher education, the positive impact families can have on a student’s retention and overall success, and best practices you can implement for working with parents, family members, and supporters. Come learn and discuss how to help them help us help their student!
Speaker Bio:
Samantha Briggs is the Assistant Director of New Student and Family Programs at UVU. She has spent 6 years working in first-year experience, orientation, and parent & family programs. Outside of HigherEd, her passions are her 3 children, traveling, and chocolate chip cookies.
Presenters: Gayla K. Cannon
Location: Ballroom
Competency:
(RED) Advisors thoroughly understand program requirements, and resources and services available to students at UVU.
Come learn how PathwayU has revolutionized the way we do career planning in the CIC. PathwayU is an “all-in-one” career assessment that assists students in determining a career path and then selecting a corresponding UVU degree. Students can also use PathwayU to evaluate career options in their chosen major.
Individuals are evaluated on their Interests, Values, Personality, and Workplace Preferences. They see how well they line up with nearly 1000 career matches (aka job titles or career paths) organized into 16 subject areas. Students can use the platform to access information about each career match including KSAs, UVU degree(s), and salary. PathwayU links to Indeed.com and Handshake allowing students to research potential jobs. The “icing on the cake” is that PathwayU also links to O*NET OnLine.
Speaker Bio:
Gayla Cannon has worked as a career counselor in the CIC (Career & Internship Center) for nearly 10 years. Prior to joining UVU, she worked in HR / Training & Development for 15+ years. She has lived in several places around the country, including the Bay Area.
Presenter: JoAnna Johnson and Melissa Braithwaite
Location: Young Card Room 308
Competency:
(GREEN) Advisors model professional behavior.
How do you know if someone is bringing a guest and what should you do before appointment? What if the guest is a surprise? What things do you do differently in an appointment with a guest? What if the guest is problematic? What information would you share/not share in appointment with a guest?
Speaker Bio:
JoAnna graduated from the University of Florida in 1997. She was a middle/high school teacher and counselor for 26 years before starting as an academic advisor at UVU in September 2023. JoAnnaenjoys playing golf, gardening and hanging out with her family and their dog.
Speaker Bio:
Melissa has received three degrees, none of which have anything to do with Math. While Melissa only started as a Math advisor the day before UVU shut down for COVID, she has worked at UVU since 2014 and has been part of campus events since it’s UVSC days. Melissa is no math genius, but she does have a passion for helping individuals develop a growth mindset to overcome difficult subjects and personal obstacles. On a more personal note, Melissa loves the Tremors movie series, can’t say no to fresh baked bread, and is a sucker for plants.
Presenters: Ezra Mintz-Fernandez and Shane Gunn
Location: Ballroom
Compentency:
(BLUE) Advisors effectively operate necessary technologies, and use data and assessment to guide and inform their work.
As academic advisors, we stand at a crossroads. The roles we play extend beyond course selection; we are guides, mentors, advocates, coaches, cheerleaders, and more! As our society and our student populations rapidly change, developing an ability to use data-informed practices while still connecting with students as individuals is crucial. This session will advocate for a dual approach to academic advising—one that harnesses the power of data while preserving the human touch.
Speaker Bio:
Ezra is one of the assistant directors for the First-Year Advising Center. At work he is passionate about moving the needle for the students he works with. Outside of work he is passionate about his family and fantasy football.
Speaker Bio:
Shane is one of the counselors in the FAC working with the Woodbury School of Business students. At work he has a deep conviction for empowering students to achieve their goals and know they are unique and cared about. Outside of work he is passionate about Family, Faith , and BYU sports.
Presenters: Jamie Muhlstein and Jamie Hattaway
Location: Bullock Room 309
Competency:
(RED) Advisors thoroughly understand program requirements, and resources and services available to students at UVU.
The UVU Student Success Specialists program is designed to empower students on their academic journey. These dedicated specialists serve as navigators, advocates, and mentors, ensuring that every student receives personalized support tailored to their unique needs.
Join us as we dive into personalized outreach that meets students where they are, learn how to support students who are receiving early alerts, and foster a culture of support that empowers Wolverines to thrive academically, persist to graduation, and become lifelong learners.
Speaker Bio:
I'm Jamie Hattaway, a senior here at UVU studying Family Science. During my time here at UVU I have taken the initiative to be involved all over campus. This includes working with the Wolverine Ambassador Program, UVU Executive Events, and now with First Year Experience and Retention where I currently work as a Student Success Specialist. I love UVU and I am grateful for my academic and professional experiences on campus. I hope to continue working in higher education after I graduate next Spring.
Speaker Bio:
Jamie Muhlestein began her higher education career seven years ago at her alma mater, Southern Utah University (SUU), where she developed and created multiple peer mentor programs. After her time at SUU, Jamie spent a few years in alumni relations and executive events at Rocky Mountain University. She is now the Assistant Director of Retention in the First-Year Experience and Student Retention office here at UVU. Jamie has a passion for putting students first and enhancing student success and sense of belonging in higher education.
Presenters: Denise Fullmer
Location: Brimhall Room 302
Competency:
(ORANGE) Advisors employ a variety of advising approaches and methods to impact the success of students.
Understanding of Advisement Modeling Through Chocolate. This presentation will demonstrate how to mold and model chocolate in different modalities linking it to differing advisement practices in assisting students to create their best self. It will demonstrate how use of different techniques can create a stronger advisor student relationship.
Speaker Bio:
Denise Fullmer began as a nursing counselor at UVU in July of 2007 working in the career and academic counselor center. She has advised for nursing, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, Physician’s assistant, veterinary medicine, chiropractic medicine and now medical school. She loves all things chocolate along with her 7 grandchildren.
Presenters: Brianne Malone
Location: Young Special Events Room 201
Competency:
(PURPLE) Advisors are inclusive in nature and care about the individual needs and circumstances of every student.
The Oompa Loompas Didn't Start at Wonka's Factory: Not every appointment we have will be with UVU students. In reality, not all of our appointments are with people who have decided if they'd even like to be a student. As an open-enrollment institution that works closely with community engagement, it is important that we give our prospective students the same care that we give our assigned students. In this presentation, we will discuss ways that we can be efficient and effective advisors for those who are not yet part of our wolverine family.
Speaker Bio:
I grew up in Kansas City but have been in Utah more than long enough to call it home. I enjoy music, concerts, the beach, Doris Day, the Kansas City Chiefs, model homes, Christmas and pretty much anything that allows me to take a step back and act like a kid.
Presenter: Melissa Eiche and Kris Swanger
Location: Young Card Room 308
Competency:
(PURPLE) Advisors are inclusive in nature and care about the individual needs and circumstances of every student.
Just like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, academic advising is filled with surprises, challenges, and opportunities for growth and learning. By using the “Beads of Privilege” activity, participants will embark on a journey of self-discovery and reflection, uncovering their own privileges along the way. We will unwrap the areas of privilege in academic advising and share resources to help empower every student to succeed one golden ticket at a time!
Speaker Bio:
Melissa Eiche has been at UVU since 1999 serving in various roles and is currently a Pre-Health Counselor in the Pre-Professional Advisement Center. She and her husband have three amazing children who never cause her any stress. In her spare time, she enjoys watching reality TV, working in her yard, and making bracelets!
Speaker Bio:
Kris Swanger has served in an administrative assistant role at UVU for the past 26 years. She is currently the Supervisor of Advising Services in the Pre-Professional Advisement Center. Kris enjoys traveling (especially if it includes a trip to a Disney park), spending time with her two children, and going to live theater shows.
Presenters: Jeannine Rushing
Location: Ballroom
Competency:
(GREEN) Advisors model professional behavior.
We all know what it feels like to be sitting in place for 8-10 hours each day. Research shows that serious health issues arise from more than 3 hours of sedentary activities per day. From poor posture, to back pain and from tight hip flexors to serious cardiovascular disease, we are all at risk! Learn how to stretch tight muscles and joints, increase blood flow to the extremities and the brain, and refresh your mind, all while sitting and/or moving at your desk.
Speaker Bio:
Jeannine has worked in the fitness industry for over 30 years (even though her time away from advising is now spent with her grand kids instead of clients – her last client was Paige Holland). She has a BS in Exercise Science and Sport Management from BYU, an MS in Health Promotion from BYU, and an MS in Education from the Univ. of Tennessee. She has taught in Health and Exercise Science departments at 7 different universities and was the Fitness Director at the Univ. of Tennessee, and then became the Director of the Lifetime Physical Activity and Fitness Department at East Carolina University. She has held credentials from the American College of Sport Medicine (as a Personal Trainer and Health Fitness Instructor), the American Council on Exercise, the National Exercise Instructor Training Association, Silver Sneakers and several others. But now, her favorite title is “grandma” (pronounced Maw-Maw).
Presenters: Mallory Wilsted
Location: Brimhall Room 302
Competency:
(RED) Advisors thoroughly understand program requirements, and resources and services available to students at UVU.
We know that there is a lot of information when it comes to students transferring credit, and with that comes a lot of fine print. In this presentation, we’ll go over some of those pesky transfer credit details and lessen some of that confusion. We’ll be going over topics that have some of the most “fine print,” including transferred degrees and GE waivers, military credit, tech colleges and their articulation agreements, the transfer articulation database, and more!
Speaker Bio:
Originally from North Dakota, Mallory Wilsted is currently the Assistant Registrar over the Transfer Credit Department. She started her time at UVU back in 2010 as a student and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Shortly after graduating, Mallory started working part time in the transfer credit department and has held several positions on the team. She has now worked at UVU for just over 9 years and is continuing her education at UVU this summer in the M. Ed Higher Ed Leadership program.
Presenters: Derek Kent
Location: Young Special Events Room 201
Competency:
(ORANGE) Advisors employ a variety of advising approaches and methods to impact the success of students.
Theoretical frameworks of student development and motivation provide key insights into how advisors can connect with and motivate their students. This presentation connects the concept of "Motivating the Middle" often employed in student organizations with theories of student development to strengthen an advisor's understanding of how to motivate their students.
Speaker Bio:
Derek earned his MA at Ball State University in Muncie, IN where he was able to focus on college student development while serving as a Greek Life Advisor Graduate Assistant. After graduating, he began his career working with student-athletes at Utah Valley University then at Western Carolina University. He returned to UVU in 2021 and currently serves as Senior Coordinator and Analyst for Student Affairs.
Presenters: Kim Wright and Polly Clauson
Location: Bullock Room 309
Competency:
(YELLOW) Advisors provide information to their students using a variety of communication methods and soft skills.
Embark on a journey through Positivity in Academic Advising, inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In the dynamic landscape of higher education, academic advisors serve as crucial navigators in students’ educational journeys. Inspired by Jon Gordon’s book, “The Energy Bus,” this presentation offers a compelling framework for turning negativity into positivity. Not only does it benefit students, but it also empowers advisors. Drawing inspiration from micro-affirmations and the principles of ‘Micromastery,’ we offer practical strategies for advisors to create uplifting environments for student success.
Speaker Bio:
With almost two decades at the university, I've been advising students in the School of Business for over 16 years. When I'm not helping students, you can find me buried in books or diving into research – it's what keeps me going!
Speaker Bio:
Polly Clauson a native of North Dakota, started at UVSC in January of 2000 and began working in the Woodbury School of Business as a student. She graduated with a BS in Integrated Studies in 2004. Polly started as an Academic Advisor in the WSB in 2005. In 2016 she became the Director of Academic Advising for the Woodbury School of Business. She loves UVU and the WSB! She has 5 children, 15 grandchildren and loves tractors and barns.
Presenter: Colleen Sorensen and Brett Johnson
Location: Young Special Events Room 201
Competency:
(RED) Advisors thoroughly understand program requirements, and resources and services available to students at UVU.
This session explores recent program developments regarding Credit for Prior Learning at UVU. Gain a clear understanding of the steps involved in applying for CPL, including portfolio development and assessment options. Learn about UVU CPL policy updates and limitations. Discover valuable resources to support students throughout their CPL journey, supporting a smooth and successful experience.
Speaker Bio:
Colleen Sorensen is the Director of Student Assessment Services, formerly known as the Testing Center lady at UVU. As the pandemic hit, Colleen was given an additional assignment of implementing a campuswide structure for the credit for prior learning process. Hear about all the latest happenings on where the CPL journey has taken her.
Speaker Bio:
Brett Johnson is the Program Manager of CPL within the Student Asmt Services department. He oversees the CPL website and the concierge process of navigating CPL opportunities for students. Brett is often reaching out to departments, chairs, advisors, and subject matter experts, putting him deep in the trenches of forging new pathways of CPL.
Presenters: Jessica Yakiwchuk
Location: Brimhall Room 302
Competency:
(ORANGE) Advisors employ a variety of advising approaches and methods to impact the success of students.
As academic advisors we take on quite a bit in our roles at work and personal lives, we are compassionate people! I don’t believe we would have it any other way; it can take its toll physically and mentally. Our worlds collide, and chaos ensues. When life gets to this point it is important to regroup and remind ourselves of the basics. This session will go over the basics in academic advising which includes what type of information is important to have in your appointment scheduler to follow-up emails and everything in between.
Speaker Bio:
My name is Jessica Yakiwchuk and I love being an academic advisor. Outside of work I spend time with my husband, (2) dogs, and tortoise either eating wild desserts, talking TMNT, and listening to EMO or Heavy Metal music.
Presenters: Natalie Hawes
Location: Bullock Room 309
Competency:
(PURPLE) Advisors are inclusive in nature and care about the individual needs and circumstances of every student.
Oftentimes students need to learn to believe in themselves and their capabilities. This is especially true for students with autism who are vulnerable to experiences that will affect how they view themselves and what they can achieve in life.
As advisors, we have the ability to support them in significant ways. We can learn basic terminology relating to autism and neurodiversity, create more accommodating environments in our offices, become aware of common symptoms and co-occurring conditions, and acquaint ourselves with helpful institutional resources that could be beneficial for students with autism.
By gaining understanding, developing our own awareness, breaking down stereotypes, and practicing an intentional belief in our students with autism, we can help them become more confident and resilient as they move forward in their individual journeys.
Speaker Bio:
Natalie Hawes is an academic advisor for the College of Health and Public Service and is originally from Eugene, Oregon. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Utah State University and has a background in disability advocacy, having organized and participated in university-sponsored events, international excursions, and local gatherings that focused on educating students and communities about the experiences of those with disabilities and the policies that surround those experiences.
Presenters: Emily Hill and Melissa Braithwaite
Location: Ballroom
Competency:
(GREEN) Advisors model professional behavior.
Have you ever had a student or parent want their needs taken care of right NOW? As advisors, we often deal with students expecting their wants and needs to be taken care of immediately which can sometimes be frustrating. We WANT to be as helpful as possible, but when dealing with students who are demanding, it can be hard to remain patient. Staying calm and professional during these types of interactions allows us to create realistic expectations with the student while encouraging respectful behavior. In this session, we will learn about our own triggers for impatience, learn about the impact of impatience on our health, and discuss ways to prevent burnout and remain both patient and professional during our Veruca Salt type meetings.
Speaker Bio:
Emily has worked at UVU since 2008 as an Academic Counselor. She loves working with students from diverse backgrounds and helping them attain their educational/career goals. She lives in a household of boys including two teenagers, a rambunctious dog and two stinky birds.
Speaker Bio:
Melissa has received three degrees, none of which have anything to do with Math. While Melissa only started as a Math advisor the day before UVU shut down for COVID, she has worked at UVU since 2014 and has been part of campus events since it’s UVSC days. Melissa is no math genius, but she does have a passion for helping individuals develop a growth mindset to overcome difficult subjects and personal obstacles. On a more personal note, Melissa loves the Tremors movie series, can’t say no to fresh baked bread, and is a sucker for plants.
A special shout-out to the 2024 Advisement Conference Planning Committee which is working hard to create an awesome experience for attendees:
| Chair |
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| Rachel Terry - Program Manager - Office of University Advising |
| Committee Members |
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| Ashley Graham - Assistant Director - First-Year Center |
| Bobby Hughes - Academic Advisor - College of Science |
| Carrie Peterson - Academic Advisor - College of Health & Public Service |
| Christina Fife - Academic Advisor - College of Health & Public Service |
| Dave Oakeson - Academic Advisor - Honors Program |
| Elizabeth Beesley - Academic Advisor - Smith College of Engineering & Technology |
| Gabriel Black - Counselor - First Year Center |
| Jennie Smith - Academic Advisor - Concurrent Enrollment |
| John-David Sorensen - Academic Advisor - School of the Arts |
| Katherine Brickey - Program Manager - Office of University Advising |
| Melissa Eiche - Counselor - Pre-Health |
| Natalie Boone - Academic Advisor - College of Humanities/Social Science |
| Paula Nishitani - Admin Support III - Office of University Advising |
| Rachel Gonzales - Academic Advisor - School of Business |
| Sheila Jacklin - Academic Advisor - School of Education |
