Are your graduate students seeking opportunities to enrich their educational journey beyond the classroom? Engaging graduate students can be challenging as their time and needs differ significantly from undergraduates. We must consider that they are typically older with other responsibilities that may take away from engaging outside the academic setting. This session will be interactive and is designed to empower educators, administrators, and student affairs professionals working with graduate student populations. Together, we will explore strategies to help develop a robust student life program specifically geared toward graduate student learners in person and virtually. The presenters will offer co-curricular approaches in a holistic view of student learning, making connections, and programming.

Shaniece McGill, Vice Provost of Student Life and Dean of Students, Saybrook University
Brianna Yahaya, Student Life Coordinator, Saybrook University

Academic advising plays a vital role in shaping the student experience and may significantly impact a higher education institution's retention rate. When students establish a supportive relationship with an academic advisor, they may believe they are more connected to their institution, which can lead to increased engagement and persistence to finish their program. This presentation shares findings from a qualitative narrative inquiry study exploring student perceptions of academic advising in online Master of Business programs. Through student stories, the study highlights how relational advising—characterized by empathy, responsiveness, and continuity—supports academic success and adopts a sense of belonging. Advising relationships are especially critical in online environments, where students may face unique challenges related to isolation, time management, and institutional navigation.

Ashley Nielsen, Recent Doctoral Graduate, National University

This workshop focuses on the intersection between student success and health promotion, highlighting how academic performance, mental health, and wellbeing are interconnected, emphasizing the need for an active leadership role in creating supportive environments that foster both. Through collaborative methods, participants will identify challenges, exchange perspectives, and co-create practical strategies to strengthen student engagement, resilience, and wellbeing, aiming to empower university leaders to become proactive agents in these academic and institutional practices.

Patricia Paez, Chair of Student Wellbeing, CETYS University
Carlos Gonzalez-Campos, Dean of Planning, Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation, CETYS University