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ELEVATE-U

About Us

 

Elevate-U is Northwestern State University’s initiative aimed at advancing student success, with a strong focus on supporting low-income students. Through academic pathways, living-learning communities, and a centralized One-Stop Student Success Center, Elevate-U provides personalized support to guide students through their academic journey from their first year to graduation. Built around the Momentum Framework and inspired by the national “15 to Finish” campaign, Elevate-U emphasizes efficient credit completion, clear academic mapping, and active faculty-student engagement. By equipping faculty and advisors with specialized training, Elevate-U ensures that students benefit from high-quality academic and personal support that fosters a welcoming and supportive campus community.

NSU Faculty Advisor Hub

The Faculty Advisor Hub is your go-to resource for advising support at NSU. Here, you’ll find workshop materials, training opportunities, advising tools, and policy guides to help you better assist students. Connect with peers through NSU Advising Circles, explore professional development programs, and stay informed on best practices. Whether you need quick access to advising technologies or want to revisit past workshops, this hub is here to support your growth and success as an advisor.

Advising Workshops and Professional Development

Training and professional development events are regularly offered during “on-call” week, prior to the Spring and Fall semesters. Explore the Training and professional development events are regularly offered during “on-call” week, prior to the Spring and Fall semesters. Explore the opportunities below to enhance your advising skills and professional growth:

 

1. Advisor Certification

The Academic Advisor Training and Certification program equips academic advisors with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively support and guide students. Faculty advisors must complete a 6-week online training course, and upon completion, submit a full application packet for certification.

 

a) Appreciative Advising Online Course

Elevate U offers professional development opportunities to faculty advisors who wish to become certified in Appreciative Advising, a theoretical and practical framework designed to optimize interactions with students and colleagues. The course lasts 6 weeks, with participants typically spending 2–3 hours per week (12–15 hours total).

 

Note: Stipends for the course are limited by year, so interested faculty advisors should complete the Elevate-U application form for consideration.

 

b) Certified Appreciative Advisor

After completing the Appreciative Advising Online Course, faculty advisors must submit a full application packet to Edgar Martinez to become a Certified Appreciative Advisor.

 

2. Training & Professional Development Events

Elevate U values the importance of professional development and collaboration opportunities. We offer in-person workshops regularly during “on-call” week in August. For specific dates and details on these and other Elevate U events, be sure to check our calendar for updates and opportunities throughout the year.

 

3. Additional Opportunities for Professional Growth

Explore more opportunities for professional growth and learning through the following workshops and resources:

  • Academic Advising Core Competencies
  • Academic Advising and First-Year Students: The Power of Purpose and Movement toward Self-Efficacy
  • Building Relationships with Today’s Students through Effective Communication Strategies
  • Incorporating Coaching Conversations into Academic Advising Practice
  • Academic Maps Design
NSU Advising Circle

Our NSU Advising Circles provide a bi-monthly opportunity for academic advisors and student services staff to come together, share their experiences, and discuss future workshops. These sessions are designed to promote communication and collaboration—key elements of successful student services at NSU.

 

Each Advising Circle offers a platform for participants to share what they’re currently working on, brainstorm solutions to challenges, and explore new resources. In addition, we’ll incorporate presentations and guided discussions to facilitate professional growth and enhance the tools available to advisors.

 

To participate in an Advising Circle, complete the sign-up form. You can check the dates for upcoming sessions on the calendar. We encourage participants to also submit topic ideas for discussion, whether it’s about new advising strategies, challenges you’ve encountered, or workshops you’d like to see in the future.

 

Advising Circles are a fantastic opportunity for our team to build connections, learn from one another, and support our shared goal of student success. Through open communication and collaboration, we strengthen the advising community at NSU and create a space where advisors can thrive.

Advisor Appreciation and Recognition

Recognizing the work of advisors is essential, as they play a critical role in supporting student success and guiding students toward achieving their academic goals. At Elevate U, we are committed to acknowledging the dedication and contributions of our advisors, and we will celebrate their efforts through special events and initiatives. Be sure to check our calendar regularly for upcoming recognition events and opportunities to honor our advisors.

Faculty Advising Workshop Archive

Welcome to the Faculty Advising Workshop Archive, your go-to resource for past workshops designed to support and enhance faculty advising at NSU. Here, you’ll find presentations, materials, key takeaways, and recordings from previous sessions, helping you stay informed and improve your advising skills at your own pace. Whether you’re looking for best practices, policy updates, or strategies to better support students, this archive is here to guide you.

Explore past workshops and continue your journey toward advising excellence!

Enhancing Faculty Advising Resource Guide

 

From the January 7, 2025, Summit

 

This guide includes articles, videos, and handouts shared during the Enhancing Faculty Advising summit. These resources are designed to help faculty advisors integrate trauma-informed practices, support student well-being, and strengthen advising strategies.

students studying on NSU's campus

Academic Maps

 

Academic maps provide a structured, term-by-term guide outlining the recommended course sequence for each degree program. They help students stay on track for timely graduation by clearly indicating which courses to take and when.

 

While these maps are valuable planning tools, regular meetings with your academic advisor are essential to ensure your course selection aligns with your degree plan and remains up to date.

 

Explore the links below to access Academic Maps for your college and plan your path to graduation!

 

College of Arts and Sciences

Education and Human Development

College of Business and Technology

Nursing and School of Allied Health

Three NSU students on bench at Fournet Hall

Living Learning Communities (LLC)

Let us “ELEVATE-U” to academic and personal success!


What is an LLC?



Our mission is to enhance the student experience by providing interactive programming and mentor support that fosters a strong sense of community within the Residential Living/Learning Environment.

Why Join an LLC?

As a member, you’ll have exclusive opportunities to:

 

✅ Take classes, study, and build connections with students you live with.

✅ Receive encouragement and support from a trained Resident Mentor.

✅ Engage with faculty within the Residence Hall.

✅ Participate in monthly large-group events and weekly small-group discussions designed around topics relevant to YOU, such as:

  • Financial Literacy
  • Personal Wellness
  • Mental Health
  • Study Skills
  • Career Exploration
  • Time Management
Did You Know?

Students who participate in a Living Learning Community (LLC) are more likely to:

 

✔ Earn higher grades

✔ Return for their second year

✔ Graduate within four years

✔ Engage with peers and faculty

✔ Feel connected to campus

✔ Join clubs and student organizations

✔ Develop leadership skills

✔ Overcome social anxiety

How to Join an LLC

1. Requirements

To become an LLC community member, students must strive to…

  • Select to live in one of NSU’s on-campus Residence Halls, preferably UP2.
  • Be enrolled as a full-time student.
  • Remain in good standing with the university.
  • Attend one community dinner per semester.
  • Attend a minimum of one resident mentor-led activity (1 hour), one faculty mentor-led workshop (1 hour), and two collaborative learning sessions (1 hour each) per semester.
  • Miss no more than three University 1000 classes (first-year students only).
  • Participate in a minimum of one Sophomore Year Experience Event (second-year students only).

2. Apply Today!

 

Follow the QR code to complete our interest survey. An Elevate-U or Housing staff member will be in touch to confirm your housing details.

Students on lawn studying

Resident Mentors

Resident Mentors are student leaders who live within the campus community, fostering an inclusive environment focused on personal growth, academic success, and campus involvement. They connect students with resources, host enrichment activities, and provide ongoing support to ensure a positive residential experience.

Students in Library talking with a laptop on NSULA campus

Faculty Mentors

Our dedicated faculty mentors are experienced professionals committed to guiding students through their academic journey. With diverse expertise, they provide personalized support, helping students achieve academic success, navigate challenges, and prepare for future careers.

 

Kristen Culver
Academic Advisor and English Instructor
culverk@nsula.edu
Faculty Profile

 

Dr. Wendi O’Halloran
Director of Clinical Practice & Partnerships
ohalloranw@nsula.edu
Faculty Profile

 

Dr. Dylan G. Solice
Assistant Professor of Education, Interim Coordinator of LLCs
soliced@nsula.edu
Faculty Profile

NSU professor helps student complete work in computer lab

Staff

 

3 Columns on Normal Hill

Contact Us

Office: (318) 357-4359
Watson Memorial Library, Suite 112L
Natchitoches, LA 71497
Emailelevateu@nsula.edu

Northwestern State University of Louisiana
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