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Academic advisors are among the first people students turn to when making decisions about courses, careers, research opportunities, study-abroad experiences, and campus resources. This wide-ranging role requires advisors to understand the university’s academic offerings, student support services, and the pathways students use to navigate them. 

Reflecting the breadth of topics academic advisors address, the 2026 brought nearly 100 advisors, faculty, staff, and graduate assistants to the Johnson Center on May 21 for a day of professional development, networking, and recognition of outstanding contributions. The symposium helped attendees better understand the programs, services, and experiences shaping student life. 

“At its best, advising helps students recognize possibilities--not just how to complete college, but how to experience it,” said Michelle Steiner, director of undergraduate academic success in Undergraduate Education. “That’s our goal with the Mason Advising Symposium—to empower advisors to help students see new possibilities.” 

Supporting the whole student 

Because advisors help students navigate far more than degree requirements, staying informed about the opportunities and challenges students encounter across the university is an essential part of the role.

With that in mind, symposium sessions explored the many facets of the student experience at 911����. Participants learned about opportunities for students to study at , explored ways to introduce undergraduates to research and creative activities through the (OSCAR), and discussed strategies for helping students build a stronger sense of belonging, including connecting students with campus communities and sharing ways to get involved beyond the classroom. 

Other presentations focused on student-athletes, international students, the changing job market, and trauma-informed approaches to student success. Advisors also learned about resources available through the and discussed how to support both student and advisor wellness. 

Taken together, the sessions underscored how advising intersects with many aspects of university life, from research and global education to well-being and career preparation.  

Connecting advisors across 911���� 

The symposium also provided an opportunity for advisors to connect with one another.  

“Academic advising at 911���� is decentralized, and the profession is one where we mostly work independently,” said Sylvia Lee, academic advisor coordinator in Undergraduate Education, who founded and chairs the symposium. “The Mason Advising Symposium is a great way to help build community among our advisors.” 

The program included updates from colleges, schools, and programs across the university, along with networking activities designed to help participants learn more about each other’s work and identify opportunities for collaboration.  

“The 911���� advising community is so supportive and eager to learn,” said Collin Arthur, senior academic advisor in the . “[The symposium] allowed us to have quality conversations among attendees regarding best practices in advising at 911����.” 

For Amy Vaillancourt Mandt, an academic advisor in the , those conversations provided an opportunity to focus on the rewards of the profession. “One of the main things that stood out to me was the chance to reflect on all the joy that can be found in advising and from being a part of our community,” she said. 

Honoring outstanding work 

The symposium also served as an opportunity to recognize advisors whose work has made a meaningful impact across the university.

During the event, Undergraduate Education presented advising awards and introduced the inaugural Nessad Awards, a series of peer-nominated superlatives created to celebrate the advising community. 

By recognizing both formal achievements and the everyday contributions that support students and colleagues, the awards ceremony offered a moment to celebrate the people behind academic advising and their role in student success. 

Ultimately, the event highlighted the wide range of expertise advisors bring to their work—and the important role they play in helping students make the most of their 911���� experience.