Guiding Students from First Year to Graduation
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 provides NSU advisors with quick access to workshops, training, advising tools, and policy guides to help you better assist students. Connect with colleagues through the Advisor Development and Training (ADT) Certification Course, explore professional development opportunities, and stay up to date on best practices. Whether you’re looking for advising technologies or past workshop materials, this hub supports your growth and success as an advisor.
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. Please reach out to Beth Schroeder if you’re interested in presenting. Explore the opportunities below to enhance your advising skills and professional growth:
1. Advisor Certification
The Appreciative Advisor Training and Certification program equips academic advisors with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively support and guide students. Faculty advisors must complete either a 4-day synchronous (live on zoom) training course from 12-4pm or a 6-week asynchronous (online in Canvas) 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.
Note: Stipends for the course are limited by year, so interested faculty advisors should complete the Elevate-U application form for consideration. There you will find dates of the synchronous and asynchronous courses available in 2026.
b) Certified Appreciative Advisor
After completing the Appreciative Advising Online Course, faculty advisors must submit a full application packet to Beth Schroeder 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 Maps Design
- Advisor Development and Training (ADT) Certification Course (Stay tuned to learn more!)
- Coming up with a Communication Plan (Stay tuned!)
- Application to Travel to a NACADA conference of your choice or another advising-related event that aligns with the goals of our grant initiative.
Elevate-U is pleased to offer an exciting professional development opportunity for faculty advisors. This year, a limited number of faculty advisors will be selected to attend a NACADA conference of your choice or another advising-related event that aligns with the goals of our grant initiative.
Faculty members interested in being considered for this travel opportunity are invited to submit their intent to apply. For additional details or to express your interest, please contact Beth Schroeder.
Please stay tuned! More details about our Advisor Development and Training (ADT) Certification Course and getting an Appreciative Advising Certification will be posted here soon.
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.
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.
Watch this space—links to past presentations from the January 2027 Summit and additional resources are coming soon.
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.
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.
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
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
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. Interested in joining our LLC? Apply Here!
Innovation & Development Opportunities
The Elevate-U Innovation & Development Opportunities section highlights strategic initiatives, funding opportunities, and professional growth pathways designed to support faculty and staff in advancing measurable student success outcomes aligned with Title III priorities. Current opportunities include the Elevate-U Faculty Innovation Microgrant Program.
The Faculty Innovation Microgrant Program is a competitive Title III funding opportunity designed to support measurable, data-informed initiatives that advance student success at Northwestern State University. Projects must align with Elevate-U priorities, including gateway course success, credit momentum, retention, persistence, and graduation outcomes. Faculty, departments, and cross-functional teams are encouraged to propose strategic interventions that produce documented institutional impact.
Examples of Title III–Supported Initiatives at Peer Institutions
Institutions across the country have leveraged Title III Strengthening Institutions Program funds to implement strategic, outcomes-driven initiatives that strengthen student success. These examples highlight the types of measurable projects that have been supported through Title III funding at peer institutions.
The links below are provided as reference and inspiration for faculty and staff developing proposals under the Elevate-U Institutional Innovation Initiative.
- Southern University – Current Title III Activities
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff – Title III Program
- NCCentral University – Office of Faculty Professional Development
- Grambling State University – Title III Programs
- Albany State University – Office of Title III
- NCCentral University – Title III Program
- Florida Memorial University – Title III Activities
Application Materials
Meet the Team
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.
Christopher Richard
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
Contact Us
Office: (318) 357-4359
Watson Memorial Library, Suite 112L
Natchitoches, LA 71497
Email: elevateu@nsula.edu
