1. Small Group initiatives
Encouraging STEM Students Beyond
One-on-One Advising
Kendra Cadogan
Nancy Campos

2. Introductions & Overview
Intrusive Advising Theory
Moving Beyod One-on-One Advising: The Case for Group Advising
Why Focus On Out-of-Class Experiences?
The Small Groups Initiative
Small Group DIY
Small Group Best Practices
Final Thoughts
Q&A

3. Intrusive Advising Theory
Proposed by Walter Earl in “Intrusive advising of freshmen in academic difficulty”
Based on premise that students may not always take initiative
“Action oriented by involving and motivating students to seek help when needed” (p. 24).
Advisors must be PROACTIVE rather than reactive
Address root issues instead of treating symptoms
Reach out instead of waiting for students to seek help
Seeks to actively involve students in the academic process (professional development, social development, career exploration, study skills, etc.)
Students are encouraged and motivated
Students are taught to be responsible for their academic progress & outcomes
Students are empowered
Earl, W. R. (1998). Intrusive advising of freshmen in academic difficulty [Electronic version]. NACADA Journal, 8(2).

4. Moving Beyond One-on-One Advising: The Case for Group Advising
Connects students to like-minded peers and advisor
Build relationships with fellow peers – crucial to developing a sense of belonging
Eliminates intimidation found in one-on-one advising
Offers space to discuss challenges as a group
“Directly impacts student persistence and success”
Similar to classroom teaching – especially helpful to faculty advisors who are used to teaching
Students are given objective and goal for the group
Saves time – spread valuable information to a larger audience
Enhances one-on-one advising meetings
King, N.S. (2008). Advising delivery: Group strategies. In V.N. Gordon, W.R. Habley, T.J. Grites & Associates (Eds.), Academic Advising: A Comprehensive Handbook, Second Edition. (pp ). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

5. The Small Groups Initiative
Collaboration between Daniel Acker Scholars Program and the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program
Bring STEM students together to work on applications for out-of-class experiences – mostly sophomores, juniors, seniors
Summer Opportunities (REU’s, internships, etc.)
Graduate School
Also included job prep and information on scholarships
Step by step guide to applying to summer opportunities and graduate school
2-hour meetings for 9 weeks from September to November

6. Why Focus on Out-of-Class Experiences?
Out-of-Class Experiences are particularly beneficial to STEM students
Develop identity within major
Gain self-confidence, independence, technical and communication skills
Develop relationships with faculty, professionals, and peers
Identify career goals and greater awareness of career options
Offer graduate school preparation
Apprehensions about applying
Fear of rejection (Lack experience, Low GPA, etc.)
Focused on ONE program or opportunity
Unsure of career plans/goals
Think they “still have time”
Thiry, H., Laursen, S.L., and Hunter, A. What Experiences Help Students Become Scientists? A Comparative Study of Research and Other Sources of Personal and Professional Gains for STEM Undergraduates. Journal of Higher Education, 82 (4), 2011.

7. The Small Groups Initiative: Topics
Setting Goals
Finding Summer Opportunities
Choosing A Graduate Program
Application Process
Personal Statements/Statement of Purpose
Letters of Recommendation
Resumes and Cover Letters
Finding Funding

8. The Small Groups Initiative: Fall 2015 Timeline
September 11 – Introduction
September 18 – Personal Statements & Resumes
September 25 – Writing Meeting
October 2 – Writing Meeting
October 16 – Check In Meeting
Week of October 19 – Finding Summer Opportunities
October 30 – Writing Meeting
Week of November 2 – Letters of Recommendation
November 13 – Final Meeting

9. The Small Groups Initiative: Facilitation
Advertise before the beginning of the semester
Students chose day and time to meet via online survey
Set goals first week – apply to at least 5 different opportunities/programs
Group Leaders chosen for each group
Examples of cover letters, resumes, personal statements
Structured writing time and peer review
Presentations on topics related to the application process
Check-ins with staff every two weeks
Resources for students to use beyond small groups

10. Small Groups Initiative: Fall 2015 Results
Attendance (9 meetings)
19 students participated
13 attended 5 or more meetings
Accomplishments
9 students accepted to at least one summer opportunity
3 students found full-time employment
2 students accepted to graduate programs
2 students applying to graduate school this fall

11. The Small Groups Initiative: Fall 2015 Evaluation
Benefits
Started the process early
Offered valuable resources for finding different opportunities
Increased options for opportunities
Time set aside weekly to specifically work on applications
Personal help and feedback
Suggestions for Improvements
Full semester instead of 9 weeks
Rearrange schedule of meetings
More deadlines

12. Improvements For Fall 2016 Groups
Two separate groups (15 Summer, 9 Graduate School)
More structure
Specific topics for each group
Extended the schedule to end of semester and 12 meetings
Changed order of topics
Letters of recommendation in beginning of semester
Finding Summer Opportunities later in semester
More check-in meetings and deadlines

13. Summer Opportunities Group Schedule: Fall 2016
September 13 – Introduction
September 20 – Goal Setting
September 27 – Marketing Yourself for Life: Letters of Recommendation
October 4 – Resumes & Cover Letters, Personal Statements
October 11 – Writing Meeting
October 18 – Check In Meeting
October 25 – Finding Summer Opportunities
November 1 – Check In Meeting
November 8 – Writing Meeting
November 15 – Check In Meeting
November 29 – Writing Meeting
December 6 – Final Meeting

14. Graduate School Group Schedule: Fall 2016
September 16 – Introduction
September 23 – Choosing a Graduate Program
September 30 – Personal Statements & Letters of Recommendation
October 7 – Writing Meeting
October 14 – Writing Meeting
October 21 – Check In Meeting
October 28 – Writing Meeting
November 4 – Funding Graduate School
November 11 – Check In Meeting
November 18 – Writing Meeting
December 2 – Final Meeting

15. Small Group DIY: Creating Your Own Small Group
What will your focus be?
Who will you collaborate with? (if anyone)
Who will you target? (freshman, sophomores, juniors, seniors, etc.)
How will you get the word out?
Where and when will you meet?
What types of resources will you include?
Do you have any presenters in mind?

16. How will you overcome the challenges of creating a small group?

17. Small Group Best Practices
Collaborate with fellow advisors
Get feedback from students
What do students need? What do they want?
Advertise EARLY!
Be flexible
Bring in relevant speakers/presenters/professionals
Be engaging
Provide students with consistent and constructive criticism
Empower students to take control of the process
Make it as interest-specific as possible

18. Final Thoughts
Encourages students to apply for opportunities they are otherwise apprehensive about
Offers a structured space and time for students to work on applications
Offers support from staff and peers - lets students know they are not alone in the process
Allows advisor to reach a larger group of students simultaneously
Students encourage fellow students to attend
Access to wider range of resources – on-campus and online
Builds stronger relationships between students and peers, and students and advisor

19. Contact Information
Kendra Cadogan –
Nancy Campos –