What is academic advising and who gets to define it? Kyle Ross, NACADA Executive Director; Janet Schulenberg, Penn State; and Patrick Cate, Lakes Region Community College, explore NACADA’s bold initiative: creating an official definition and scope of practice for academic advising. From institutional leadership to frontline advising, they explore how this effort could reshape professional development, elevate advising’s visibility, and influence external stakeholders. This conversation covers how institutional context and misused terminology muddy the waters, as well as how this definition seeks to clarify the profession’s identity. 

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After five and a half years of building community and sharing best practices, Adventures in Advising is leveling up! In this special episode, we unveil two brand-new spinoff podcasts designed to broaden the conversation and amplify even more voices in higher education.

🎧 Meet the hosts behind these new ventures:

• Bri Harvie, co-host of Emerging Voices, shares how the podcast spotlights the stories and journeys of NACADA’s Emerging Leaders Program participants—and why no two advising paths are alike.
• Kevin Thomas & Michael "Brody" Broshears, co-hosts of The Pickup Meeting, bring their administrative expertise (and sense of humor) to real, unscripted conversations about leadership, innovation, and problem-solving in student success.

Expect laughs, real talk, and a whole lot of inspiration. Whether you’re an advisor, leader, or somewhere in between, this episode is your front-row seat to the next chapter of the Adventures in Advising network.

🗓️ The Pickup Meeting launches August 6
🎙️ Emerging Voices is already live—go binge it now!

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Dr. Jamie Cawthra, lecturer at University College London, focuses on trust and its role in higher education, as well as staff training around generative AI. The discussion explores the challenges and opportunities presented by gen AI in education, including its rapid development, the difficulties in detecting AI-generated content, and the need for clear communication and shared understanding between students and staff regarding appropriate AI usage to foster trust and academic integrity. 

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Panelists Carrie Egnosak, Penn State World Campus; Beth Hobbs, American Public University System; and Katie Bunnell, SPU doctoral student, dive into the evolving landscape of online academic advising. Together, they explore the power of virtual relationships, the challenges of fostering community online, and why representation and research in remote advising matter more than ever. Whether you're new to online education or a seasoned pro, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about connection, support, and the future of advising.

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Janelle Yasukochi, Maria Aladjova, and Kevin McVay of University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the dynamic trio co-chairing this year’s NACADA Annual Conference in Las Vegas share what makes this year’s event a must-attend. With the theme "Viva Advising: Excellence in Student Support," this conference is a celebration of community, growth, and the future of advising. Whether you're a seasoned advisor or just starting out, this episode offers a dynamic preview of what promises to be an energizing and impactful gathering for the advising profession. 

Register for the conference on or before September 11, 2025!

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Dr. Sarah Bosch, chief operating officer at the United Kingdom Advising and Tutoring (UKAT) association, discusses her unique path from competitive athletics to a doctorate in biomechanics and a distinguished career in academic advising. She reflects on her leadership in enhancing advising practices at Sheffield Hallam University and her contributions to UKAT in areas such as institutional accreditation and professional development. Sarah underscores the critical role of personal tutoring and shares insights from her research on postgraduate advising, highlighting the effectiveness of the embedded advising model. Sarah emphasizes the importance of community, collaboration, and inclusive support structures and the role that UKAT is playing to shape the conversations around student success. 

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Matt and Ryan sit down with Dr. Daniel MacDonald and Dr. Jeremy Murray from California State University, San Bernardino to explore the faculty perspective of how generative AI is reshaping higher education. From concerns about AI replacing critical thinking to the promise of increased accessibility and productivity, the conversation dives deep into the ethical and practical implications of AI in the classroom. MacDonald and Murray call for clear departmental policies, thoughtful integration, and a renewed focus on teaching students how to think—not just what to produce. 

Dr. Daniel MacDonald is Chair of the Economics Department at California State University San Bernardino and Founder of Inland Empire Dynamic Insights LLC, an economics-based consulting firm specializing in data analysis for law, higher ed, and local government. He is an educator with over 10 years of experience in academic and applied research. Find him online at, and check out his company at https://iedynamicinsights.com/

Dr. Jeremy Murray teaches and writes about modern China and US-China relations, and has published work on Hainan island, Asian cultural traditions, and pop culture.  He serves as faculty co-advisor for the award-winning student-run history journal, History in the Making.  He coordinates the CSUSB Modern China Lecture Series and helps coordinate the CSUSB Conversations on Race and Policing and the Disability Studies Lecture Series. He was a Wilson Center China Fellow for the 2022-23 year and is a Fulbright Taiwan Fellow for the 2025-26 cycle. Find his faculty profile here: https://www.csusb.edu/profile/jmurray

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Dr. Lisa Rubin, professor in the College of Education at Kansas State University and Dr. Ashley Thomas, assistant director of resources and managing editor at NACADA discuss Rubin’s upcoming book, Ethical Issues in Academic Advising, a new guidebook shaped by her journey from athletic advisor to professor at Kansas State University. This conversation dives into the ethical challenges advisors face every day with clarity, compassion, and real-world insight. From foundational ethical concepts to decision-making frameworks, Rubin and Thomas discuss how this book offers practical tools for academic and faculty advisors, as well as administrators. 

Pre-order Ethical Issues in Academic Advising! 

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In this episode, Matt and Ryan dive into the California State University system's landmark rollout of ChatGPT to over half a million students, faculty, and staff. The CSU’s bold AI initiative is meant to reshape higher education by tackling equitable access, responsible use, and workforce readiness. We also explore tough questions about AI’s impact on jobs and sustainability, as well as how CSU leaders are responding. Panelists include: 

California State University Office of the Chancellor:

• Dr. Leslie Kennedy - Assistant Vice Chancellor
• Dr. Ed Clark - Chief Information Officer
• Dr. Felix Zuniga - Campus Engagement Partner

California State University, San Bernardino:

• Dr. Bradford Owen - Associate Vice President of Faculty Development and Chief Academic Technology Officer
• Gerard Au - Chief Information Officer

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Dan Wienecke, academic advisor and instructor at Arapahoe Community College, shares his journey from Colorado State University to various international roles, including Peace Corps service in Kazakhstan. At ACC, Dan focuses on retention, particularly for students on academic recovery. Wienecke discusses ACC's performance support workshops, which help students understand and improve their academic standing. He also discusses the appeal support event, a collaborative effort to guide students through financial aid appeals. He highlights the mutual benefits of his advisor and instructor roles, stressing the importance of empathy and support in student success. 

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The Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcast

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