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.
Forum Schedule
Fall 2026 Academic Advisor Forum Series
Sessions coordinated by Ross Hawkins, Director, Academic Advising and Transfer Center
Military Science Lunch & Learn
Bridging Pathways: Understanding Army ROTC for Enhanced Student Support
Facilitator: Phillip "Rob" Roberson, Scholarship and Enrollment Officer, Military Science Department
This casual forum invites attendees to explore Army ROTC and its benefits in a relaxed setting, fostering open discussion and knowledge sharing. Designed to empower advisors with a deeper understanding of Army ROTC, this event aims to break down barriers and enhance student support across campus. Enjoy Subway sandwiches for lunch as you gain insights that will enable you to better guide students, connect them with valuable opportunities such as scholarships, and facilitate smoother pathways to enrollment. Don't miss this opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping student success through informed advising.
Wednesday, September 2, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: Plaster Student Union, Ballroom East
Registration is required.Enrollment Management Updates
Presenters: Dr. Dawn Medley, Vice President for Enrollment Management
Jeremy Dickerson, Assistant Vice President, Enrollment Management, Admissions and
Outreach
Dawn and Jeremy will provide updates on new initiatives in Enrollment Management and responses to new federal rules and policies that affect students. In addition to providing an update on 2026 enrollment and how things are shaping up for 2027, they will also discuss participation verification, changes in financial aid rules and regulations, as well as updates to duration of status rules.
Thursday, September 10, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Location: Plaster Student Union, room 313
Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities & Spreadsheets, Oh My!
Presenters: Reynolds College Center for Student Success Staff
The Reynolds College Center for Student Success has incorporated data into our work since the creation of the center in August 2024. Join us as we share ideas about how we are collecting and using data to assist with RCASH advising and student success efforts. Attendees will not be expected to program spreadsheets, run Argos reports or interpret data files during the session (but you might be inspired to do so afterward).
Thursday, September 17, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Location: Plaster Student Union, room 313Learning a "BIT" about Mo State's Behavioral Intervention Team
Presenter: Ellen Curie, Coordinator, Student Care and Support, Dean of Students Office
Join Ellen to learn more about our Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT). During the forum, you can expect to learn more about when and why you may refer a student and how the BIT process then works to support the individual. You will also gain insight on important data to see how the BIT has been serving students, acknowledging trends in concerns our students face, and when we can expect more student distress. Walk through various interventions the BIT will deploy to combat some of these barriers and learn about valuable MSU resources. We believe that student support is one of our best retention tools and we all can be a part of that goal!
Monday, September 21, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
ATLAS: Advising Toolkit for Learning & Academic Success
Presenters: Evonne Bird, Senior Academic Advisor, MCHHS Student Success and Advisement Center
Gates Breedlove-Koepke, Senior Academic Advisor, Academic Advising and Transfer Center
New features and functionality have been added to ATLAS. Please attend this session to learn more about the Insights tab, including how advisors can utilize the data provided. Other features that will be discussed include badges, support indicators, advisee list filters and more!
Tuesday, September 29, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
A Conversation with our Community College Colleagues
Facilitator: Campbell Keele, Coordinator, Transfer Initiatives, Academic Advising and Transfer Center
Presenters: Cindy Bridges, Director of Advising and Academic Support, MSU-West Plains
Ginger Luke, Director of Student Success, Arts, Sciences and Business, Ozarks Tech
Jamie Stanley, Student Support Services Academic Coordinator, Crowder College
As part of National Transfer Student Week, join us for a virtual advisor forum featuring representatives from two-year institutions in Missouri. Through a facilitated discussion, panelists will share their perspectives on academic advising, the student experience, common transfer questions and students’ transition from a two-year to a four-year institution. We’ll also explore how receiving institutions can better support advisors and their students throughout the transfer process. This conversation is an opportunity to share ideas, strengthen our partnerships and work together to create a more seamless transfer experience for students.
Wednesday, October 21, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Understanding the Bachelor of General Studies: Who It's For and How It Works
Presenters: Dr. Joan Barrett, Interim Associate Director, Academic Advising and Transfer Center
Dr. Michelle Bowe, Senior Instructor, Biology
Dr. Catherine Hoegeman, Professor, Sociology and Anthropology
Campbell Keele, Coordinator, Transfer Initiatives, Academic Advising and Transfer
Center
Gates Breedlove-Koepke, Senior Academic Advisor, Academic Advising and Transfer Center
The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) offers a flexible degree pathway for students whose academic goals, interests or coursework may not fit neatly within a traditional major. This session will provide an overview of the BGS, discuss who may benefit from this option, and help faculty and staff recognize potential BGS students and make appropriate referrals.
Wednesday, October 28, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Graduate Pathways: Advising for What's Next
Presenters: Dr. Reesha Adamson, Interim Associate Dean, Graduate College
Dr. Johannes Strobel, Dean, Graduate College
Learn how the Graduate College can partner with you to support students as they explore graduate education. This session introduces Graduate College resources, key contacts and advising supports while highlighting the opportunities for accelerated programs, graduate certificates, interdisciplinary opportunities and program incubation, community professional opportunities and other flexible pathways that help students take the next step toward advanced education and career success.
Thursday, December 3, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Location: Plaster Student Union, room 313