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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Brendan Caputo, director of student affairs at Long Island University, shares his inspiring path through higher education and his mission to support student success. From living on campus to leading LIU’s innovative Center for Student Success and Coaching, Caputo offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a responsive, student-centered support system. He dives into his research on academic procrastination—uncovering how intrinsic motivation can be a game-changer—and opens up about the importance of self-care and professional growth for those working in higher ed. 

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In this episode, Ryan Scheckel from Texas Tech University officially joins the podcast! 

03:53 - Ann Bingham with University of Southampton interviews UK Advising and Tutoring CEO David Grey, looking back at the 10-year anniversary of the UKAT conference, honoring a decade of impact, innovation, and inspiration. 

16:21 - Matt Markin facilitates a panel discussion with Ryan Scheckel, Texas Tech University; Iris Burks, Maastricht University; Declan McLaughlin, Queens University Belfast; and Melinda Anderson, Achieving the Dream, discussing strategies for student success, the importance of professional development and community support for advisors, and the role of AI in advising. They stress the need for institutions to prioritize student learning and well-being, as well as leverage technology while maintaining human connections. They emphasize the importance of small wins and everyday successes in higher education, drawing inspiration from historical achievements and the resilience of past educators.

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Guest host Raezheen Pascua, academic advisor at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa teams up with program director Pearlena (Lena) Sarono Stone for an inspiring episode recorded fresh off their presentation at the 2025 NASPA Annual Conference in New Orleans.

Together, they dive into how First Year Experience courses can be powerful tools for promoting holistic student well-being, easing the college transition, and creating inclusive spaces—especially for students from marginalized communities.

From innovative engagement strategies to the success of their dual enrollment programs, Rae and Lena share insights, stories, and real talk about navigating higher ed—including their own experiences with imposter syndrome and personal growth.

This episode is a must-listen for educators, advisors, and anyone passionate about student success. 🌱✨

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Thomas Beckwith with University of Florida leads a lively conversation with panelists: Tim Cox, Lafayette College; Kris Valentine, University of Florida and Shaura Thomas, University of Florida. Panelists break down what makes advising at two-year and four-year colleges so different—and why it matters. From centralized vs. faculty-driven models to the pace and scope of student interactions, panelists share real-world insights on how advising structures shape the student experience. They also dive into hot topics like the evolving role of advisors, the power of tech in advising, and why collaboration and professional development are more important than ever.

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Matt Markin from CSU San Bernardino and Ryan Scheckel from Texas Tech University dive into the exciting world of AI-powered tools reshaping the experiences of both students and advisors. They explore Google's NotebookLM, an AI assistant that digests your documents, delivers smart summaries, and even creates personalized audio overviews. They also check out Thea Study, a beta-stage platform offering AI-crafted study guides, flashcards, and quizzes to supercharge learning. Could these tools transform how students and advisors interact with information? Tune in for a thoughtful look at their potential—and the critical questions we still need to ask about AI in education.

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In this inspiring episode, David Smith, Advising Specialist at Jefferson College, shares his remarkable 30+ year journey through higher education—from community college student to music professor to mentor and administrator. David dives into his work with the Region VII Mentoring Program and the power of academic coaching. Discover how tools like the action brainstorming worksheet help students turn goals into reality, and why seeking help early is key to success. Whether you're a student, advisor, or educator, this episode is packed with insight, heart, and practical takeaways. 

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Gavin Farber from The College of New Jersey guest hosts this episode focusing on sustainability in higher education and academic advising. Jessica Staten from Indiana University and Dr. Rebecca Hapes from Texas A&M University discuss the importance of identities beyond your roles and the necessity of change for sustainability, underscoring the resilience and adaptability required in higher education roles. Hapes and Staten highlight the need for effective communication and empathy, as well as emphasizing the significance of self-care, setting boundaries, and continuous learning. They also advocate for documenting processes to ensure knowledge transfer in order to maintain efficiency. 

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In this higher education administrators panel, Barbara Smith from The University of Texas at San Antonio and Jill Geisler Wheeler from the University of Arkansas highlight the need for professional development and support for advisors, while advocating for student and staff well-being. Both discuss the challenges of balancing technology's benefits with maintaining personal connections. Dr. Todd Chambers and Ryan Scheckel from Texas Tech University discuss innovative practices, such as breaking down silos and using AI in advising, while also focusing on the importance of collaboration across higher education.

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