Utah State University academic advisors provide an inclusive environment in which the advisor assists undergraduate students in making responsible and informed decisions about educational plans, professional goals, and life outlooks consistent with the student's strengths, values, abilities, and interests. Advisors at USU are committed to the best professional practices to serve students.
All sessions are aligned with Core Competencies from the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).
Professional Development Opportunities
Advising Best Practices
Discover Utah State’s new Advising Best Practices, developed and presented by the Council of Lead Advisors (CLA). These practices are designed to guide and support excellence in academic advising and to promote an equitable, high-quality advising experience for all undergraduate students across the USU system. Together, we’ll explore how these practices ensure a standard of practice across all units and elevate the student experience. The session will also highlight the procedure for note taking, ensuring clarity, continuity, and appropriate access to advising notes across the system.
Who: USU’s Council of Lead Advisors (CLA)
When: January 26, 2026 | 1:30-2:30 PM
Where: Virtual, Register
USU Civics Courses - Language and Strategies for Academic Advisors
The Center for Civic Excellence will join the advising community to share updates on implementing the new civics courses. This interactive session will use case studies to explore how varying student needs and scenarios may shape advising for these new foundations courses. Join us as we take an exciting step forward in general education reform together!
Who: Harrison Kleiner, Vice Provost Undergraduate Education & Matthew Sanders, Interim Associate Vice Provost for the Center for Civic Excellence
When: February 10, 2026 | 2:00-3:30 PM
Where: Virtual, Register
Utah State University's advising system is a collaborative structure that works to ensure that all students receive excellent advising across the statewide system. The University Advising Academy starts by supporting new advisors and the current advising community with asynchronous foundational resources for advising practice at USU. These trainings are linked to the NACADA Core Competencies for Academic Advising.
The program continues to support advisor growth and development through the Advising Excellence badging program. Participation in the badging program culminates in a yearly certificate. This certificate is for academic advisors at USU who want to engage in a structured professional development plan during the academic year. The certificate program is guided by NACADA Core Competencies.
The Canvas course is managed by University Advising:
- Shelly Kotynek, Executive Director, shelly.kotynek@usu.edu
- Kaylee Roholt, Advisor Development and Training Specialist, kaylee.roholt@usu.edu
- Madison Rasmuson, Advising Coordinator, madison.rasmuson@usu.edu
Please email to be added to the course or to ask questions.