Erin Payseur, program coordinator for The Center for Engaged Learning, will present a pre-conference workshop, “Because we C.A.R.E. – Putting Together an Integrative Model that Cultivates Accountability, Retention, and Engagement for First-Year Students” at the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) Region 3 Conference held May 15–18, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky. In the session, she will be focusing on her work with CC’s First Year Student Success Team (FYSST) and showcasing the campus-wide implementation of the early identification system that links academically at-risk students with academic and personal support resources on campus. She will also present the same workshop at the NACADA National Conference to be held October 3-6, 2010.
 
Payseur says, “First year programs have varying success across institutions due in part to the challenge of coordinating the many different programs that address the issues first-years face in transitioning to college. This presentation illustrates a collaborative model in which academic affairs and student affairs successfully integrate through an ‘early alert system’ bringing together appreciative advising, student engagement mentors, career development, and residence advisors into an active engagement and retention web.”  

In addition to improving academic and social choices, increasing faculty and staff interaction, and utilizing a 4-year career development process, the model has reduced students on probation and subsequently increased retention. Participants will explore how a similar model can be implemented on their campuses.

About NACADA
The National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), promotes and supports quality academic advising in institutions of higher education to enhance the educational development of students. NACADA provides a forum for discussion, debate, and the exchange of ideas pertaining to academic advising through numerous activities and publications.” Learn more by visiting www.nacada.ksu.edu.