Please make plans to attend Academic Advisor Forums this semester. All sessions count toward the three hours needed for annual renewal of the Master Advisor designation. The forums are available to the advising community, so please encourage colleagues to participate. Registration is strongly encouraged.
Forum Schedule
Fall 2025 Academic Advisor Forum Series
Sessions coordinated by Ross Hawkins, Director, Academic Advising and Transfer Center
ATLAS: Advising Toolkit for Learning & Academic Success
Presenter: Evonne Bird, Senior Academic Advisor, MCHHS Student Success & Advisement Center
Ross Hawkins, Director, Academic Advising & Transfer Center
Theresa McCoy, Deputy Chief Information Officer
Beth Perine, Assistant Director, Achievement Center for Intercollegiate Athletics
Dr. Kelly Wood, Associate Provost for Student Success
ATLAS is here! The new student information database is ready to be explored and utilized. Please attend this session for a demonstration of the features of ATLAS and learn more about upcoming enhancements.
Wednesday, September 10, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Zoom LinkMissouri Academic Advising Association (MACADA) Conference
Theme: Advisin’ and Thrivin’
Keynote Speaker: Dr. James Hutson, Lead XR Disruptor and Department Head of History, AI, and Visual
Culture, Lindenwood University
Presenters: Advising colleagues from across the state
Missouri State University is hosting the annual MACADA conference. This conference is available to professional staff and faculty advisors, as well as those who support academic advising on campus. The conference will begin with opening remarks from Dr. Clarenda Phillips, Provost. Dr. Hutson will provide a keynote address followed by breakout sessions. Lunch is included with paid registration.
Friday, September 12, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Location: Plaster Student Union
Registration is Required ($100-$140)Hazing 101 and Your Role in Prevention
Presenters: Jeff Mitchell, Associate General Counsel
Gabby Catlin, Director of Student Conduct
In December 2024, the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act was passed establishing the first federal definition of hazing and setting requirements for institutions to implement hazing policies, provide education campus wide, and increase prevention efforts. Research tells us that 55% of all college students in clubs, groups and organizations experience hazing. Come learn about the University's hazing policy and how you can identify the warning signs of hazing, report hazing, and why it matters to MSU.
Monday, September 29, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Location: Plaster Student Union, room 313Enrollment Fraud
Presenters: Natalie McNish, Director, Internal Audit & Risk Management
Ben Metzger, Associate Director of Admissions, Operations and Systems
This presentation will introduce the topic of Enrollment Fraud, commonly referred to as the issue of "ghost students." We will begin by defining what enrollment fraud is and outlining the serious risks it poses to our institution. The session will explore why fraudsters may specifically target Missouri State University and identify the key warning signs advisors might identify in their interactions with students. Additionally, we will discuss practical ways advisors can actively participate in detecting and reporting suspicious activity. Our goal is to better equip your teams with knowledge to help safeguard our campus community against enrollment fraud.
Wednesday, October 8, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Location: Plaster Student Union, room 313A Conversation with Faculty Advisors
Facilitator: Ross Hawkins, Director, Academic Advising & Transfer Center
Panelists: Natalie Curry, Bachelor of Social Work Coordinator & Clinical Associate Professor
Dr. Randy Dillon, Professor, Communication, Media, Journalism & Film
Dr. Melanie Carden-Jessen, Senior Instructor-School of Earth, Environment & Sustainability
Dr. Lacy Sukovaty, Director, School of Agricultural Science & Conservation
Dr. Alan Tinkler, Department Head, English
How do faculty advisors and administrators manage all their job duties and still make themselves available for their advisees? What are the challenges that exist for faculty advisors? Why is advising so important and rewarding? Please attend this panel discussion to learn more about faculty advising and how these individuals prioritize students.
Wednesday, October 15, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Transfer Portal + CUSA: Game Plans for Student Athlete Success
Presenters: Dan Raines, Director, Achievement Center for Intercollegiate Athletics
Beth Perine, Assistant Director
Sydney Wilson, Director, Student Athlete Development
Caitlin Melnychenko, Academic Learning Specialist
Madison Orr, Academic Advisor Athletics
Quinn Weakley, Academic Advisor Athletics
Campbell Keele, Coordinator, Transfer Initiatives, Academic Advising & Transfer Center
Step onto the field with us for an advisor forum all about supporting student athletes. Our presenters will give a behind-the-scenes look at the Athletic Achievement Center, introducing staff and the resources that help athletes thrive both on and off the field. We’ll tackle the move to CUSA and explore what it means for student athletes—and for advisors helping them navigate new travel schedules and challenges. Plus, we’ll dive into the transfer portal, its impact on college athletics, and strategies for guiding transfer student athletes to success. Join the conversation during National Transfer Student Week and learn how to help every athlete stay on track, in class and in the game.
Monday, October 20, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Location: Plaster Student Union, room 313
A (Re)Introduction to the Graduate College: What We Do & How We Can Help
Presenters: Dr. Carrisa Hoelscher, Associate Dean, Graduate College
Dr. Johannes Strobel, Dean, Graduate College
The Graduate College does more than you might think! We’re here to support students,
staff, faculty, and programs at every stage of the graduate education journey. In
this session, you’ll meet the new Dean of the Graduate College, Dr. Johannes Strobel.
You’ll also learn about the many resources and services the Graduate College provides,
from
admissions and program development to student funding, thesis/dissertation oversight,
and faculty support. We’ll highlight events, awards, and professional development
opportunities that foster graduate education success and address frequently asked
questions. Join us for an informative session to better understand how the Graduate
College partners with you to advance graduate education at MO State.
Thursday, October 23, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Counseling Center-Overview of Services for Students & Other Campus Supports
Presenters: Allicia Baum, PsyD, Director, Counseling Center
Tammy Dixon, LPC, Assistant Director, Counseling Center
The Counseling Center is the central hub for student mental health and wellness on the campus of Missouri State University. In response to increased demand for services and feedback from students and other stakeholders, the Counseling Center has updated their practice model and adjusted their processes to improve accessibility and appropriate resourcing for students. Through prioritization of campus and community partnerships, as well as our staff's active participation in the campus community, we are seeing new and exciting opportunities to grow. This forum is an opportunity to share what is new with our center and discuss how we can support the students, staff and faculty at MSU.
Monday, December 1, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Connection Through Creativity: Harnessing the Power of Expression
Presenters: Christina Bowles, Coordinator, Student Success Coaches
According to a 2023 study by Long and Long, college students’ critical thinking was found to be positively related to their creativity. How can we as advisors and student support staff harness our creativity to encourage students' imagination and resourcefulness? In this interactive presentation, participants will have an opportunity to practice low-pressure creative exercises and better understand how expression in various forms benefits student support.
Thursday, December 4, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Location: Plaster Student Union, room 313