Bridging the Gap: The Role of an Advising Syllabus in Supporting Commonwealth Campus Students

Keywords: 

Student Success Penn State Specific Training and Development

Abstract: 

It is not always easy for students to make transitions with academic programs and switching campuses at an institution. At Penn State, students can request to change their campus. If a student is uncertain about making a seamless transition from one campus to another, how can advisers best support them? An academic advising syllabus can do the trick! An advising syllabus can serve as a document to help students make meaningful transitions. It has a role across various areas in advising such as: 1) building strong rapport between an adviser and advisee while establishing expectations of an advising relationship (McKamey, 2007; Muehleck et al., 2014; Trabant, 2006); 2) helping students make meaning of curricula through a collaborative relationship with their advisers (Lucero, 2021); and 3) being used as an aid in teaching moments (Lowenstein, 2020). This presentation will provide information on how an advising syllabus enhances student support and success. 

Date: 

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 - 10:00am to 11:00am

Location: 

Room 207

Presenter(s): 

Giancarlo Labruna, M.A., M.S

Title: 
Academic Adviser, Academic Support and Global Programs- College of Engineering
Institution: 
Penn State

Tabitha McKean, M.Ed.

Title: 
Academic Adviser, Academic Support and Global Programs- College of Engineering
Institution: 
Penn State