Overview
Course Description: This online training will equip you with the essential skills, tools, and frameworks to guide online-only students, a growing demographic in higher education. Your commitment to mastering these techniques will have a lasting impact, supporting the unique needs of online-only students.
Cost: $150. Contact us for group discounts.
Prerequisite: Either the Certificate in Student Success Coaching, Retention Academic Advising, Community College Advising, or Student Affairs Leadership.
Format: Asynchronous self-paced course. Start and end the course at your own pace and retain indefinite access.
Length: 4 hours
Instructional Materials: All necessary materials are included in the course and will be available instantly upon enrollment.
Modules
Module 1: Introduction to Virtual Advising
Module 2: Frameworks & Theoretical Foundation of Virtual Advising
Module 3: Building Rapport and Trust in Virtual Settings
Module 4: Supporting Online Student Retention and Success

What You Will Learn

Professional Tools for Virtual Advising Excellence
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Discover strategies to reduce barriers in online learning environments.
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Learn practical applications of key theories to improve advising outcomes.
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Promote collaborative engagement to create meaningful online experiences.
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Navigate FERPA and ensure student privacy in virtual settings.
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Recognize and address signs of trauma while offering appropriate support.
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Learn goal-setting strategies to help students plan for academic success.

Enhancing Student Motivation
and Success
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Understand what drives online students and how to meet their diverse needs.
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Foster intrinsic motivation using proven strategies grounded in theory.
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Coach students on time management, discipline, and prioritization.
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Identify and support at-risk students before challenges escalate.
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Encourage self-confidence and adaptability in the face of challenges.
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Provide proactive guidance to help students navigate academic and life obstacles.

Connecting with
Online Students
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Build trust and foster meaningful relationships in virtual spaces.
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Learn effective techniques to engage students through video calls and emails.
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Create welcoming and accessible advising sessions.
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Equip students with skills to navigate campus technology and resources.
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Humanize interactions through appropriate self-disclosure, listening, and empathy.
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Guide students to overcome isolation and feel connected to their learning community.
Who should take
this course
Individuals
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Aspiring success coaches and advisors who are training for this new role or preparing for job interviews.
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Newer success coaches and advisors who are orientating to their new role
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Seasoned success coaches and advisors who are ready to take on a new challenge, elevate their impact, increase their skills, and learn more strategies for student success
Teams
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Advising & Student Success Centers: Enroll your entire group together for a powerful professional development opportunity. Just like a book club, teams can take the course on the same schedule and then gather for regular discussions along the way. This professional development is great for team building and collaboration, sparking discussions, and will benefit all team members, regardless of experience level. Contact us for group discounts.
New employee orientation programs
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Enroll your new coaches and advisors in this course as part of their new orientation experience, increasing their confidence and setting them up for success from day one.
Reviews
Employees who get professional development opportunities are 15% more engaged and have 34% higher retention than those who don’t.
Harvard Business Review
Why your college should invest in more professional development for your team
Providing effective training programs can significantly impact the satisfaction, engagement, and overall success of employees within a student affairs team, ultimately impacting student success. Here are key reasons why high-quality advisor training is important for employee retention:
Job Satisfaction: Student affairs employees who receive proper training are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. Knowing that they have the skills and resources to excel in their roles enhances job satisfaction and contributes to a positive work environment.
Employee Confidence: Training builds confidence among employees by providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge. Working with students in a student affairs division is challenging work, and confident employees are more likely to take initiative, contribute ideas, and remain engaged in their work.
Retention of High Performers: College employees who are high performers are often motivated by opportunities for learning and growth. Providing them with challenging and meaningful training can help retain top talent by satisfying their desire for continuous improvement.
Cultural Alignment: Training programs can convey and reinforce the institutional culture. When employees understand and align with the student-centered values and goals of the college, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and commitment.
Skill Development: Training programs help employees develop the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their jobs effectively. When employees feel competent and confident in their roles, they are more likely to stay with the organization.
Increased Productivity: Well-trained employees are more productive. They can perform their tasks efficiently and contribute to the overall success of the college. Increased productivity is a positive outcome that can contribute to employee retention.
Career Development: Training opportunities signal to college employees that the institution is invested in their professional growth. When employees see a clear path for career development and advancement within the college, they are more inclined to stay and build a long-term commitment.
Talent Attraction: If you have a reputation for offering excellent training and development, you will be attractive to potential employees. This can be a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining top talent.
In summary, by fostering continuous learning and development, colleges can create an environment that supports employee retention and long-term success.