Academic Advisor Professional Development
Request for Professional Development - College of Science Embedded Academic Advisors
The College of Science Dean's Office Advising Team is pleased to hear you are interested in professional development. Submit your professional development request by completing the appropriate form below pertaining to memberships, conferences, webinars, etc.
Your request will be reviewed and you will receive notification of the status of your request within 3-5 business days.
Virginia Tech Advisor Resources
spring 2026 Professional development Resources
Social Event: Welcome Back Social
Description: Stop by when you can, a great chance to catch up after Winter Break.
Date: January 27, 2026
Time: 5:15-7:00 PM
Location: McClain’s at First & Main in Blacksburg
Advising Chat: The Connection Project: Finding belonging and fighting loneliness in one class
Date: February 3, 2026
Time: 12:00-1:00 PM
Location: Zoom
Speaker(s): Colleen Discoll
Description: Join us to learn more about The Connection Project (TCP), a 1-credit class graded A-F, where students are only graded on attendance (aka no homework, assignments, quizzes, or exams!). TCP is an evidence-based program that has demonstrated a decrease in loneliness and depressive symptoms and an increase in belonging for students who participate. During the chat, you will get to participate in a few TCP activities, learn more about the course structure and research behind it, and determine what students might be a good fit and how to refer them to the course.
Plugged into Advising: Career Treasure Chest Unlocked: Virtual Resources Advisors Need to Know
Date: February 10, 2026
Time: 11:00-12:00 PM
Location: via Zoom
Description: Join Career and Professional Development for an overview of our latest virtual tools that will give students 24/7 access to career-related assistance, including resume reviews, interview prep, career research, course assignments, and more. Through live demonstrations, you'll learn what’s new in CPD and how to integrate these resources into your advising sessions and courses to better support students in achieving their professional goals.
Plugged into Advising: Inclusive and Accessible Design for Academic Advising
Date: February 17, 2026
Time: 1:00-2:00 PM
Location: via Zoom
Description: TBD
Social Event: Hokies Women’s Basketball Game Social
Description: Come help us cheer on the Women’s Basketball Team against George Tech!
Date: February 22, 2026
Time: Meet at 1:30 PM. Game begins at 2:00 PM
Location: Cassell Coliseum
Social Event: Coffee Hour Social
Description: You deserve a coffee break and a chance to connect with others on campus.
Date: March 4, 2026
Time: 9:30-10:30 AM
Location: Coffeeholics in Blacksburg
Virginia Tech's Advising Matters Conference
Date: March 6, 2026
Time: 8:30-4:20 PM
Location: Virginia Tech Inn
Registration Fee: $100
Registration Link: https://advising.vt.edu/professional-development/advising-matters-conference/registration.html
Description: The Advising Matters Conference will kick off at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, and conclude by 4:20 p.m. The conference will provide you with the following opportunities:
- Formal and informal networking with faculty and professional advisors committed to facilitating student academic success
- An interactive workshop and concurrent sessions focusing on advising tools, collaboration across the university and professional development for academic advisors
- Opportunities for professional development for all advisors
- Discussions on critical issues in academic advising
- A range of theoretical, practical, and interactive presentations
For more information about the Advising Matters Conference, please email advising@vt.edu.
Advising Chat: Get Involved with NACADA!
Date: April 8, 2026
Time: 12:00-1:00 PM
Location: Zoom
Speaker(s): Rachel Hall
Description: NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising is an international professional association that supports and provides resources for academic advisors and other student support professionals. In this session, we will discuss the mission and structure of NACADA and explore various opportunities to get involved. Session attendees will learn about regional activities and leadership, Advising Communities, Advisory Board Chairs, the NACADA Council, the Board of Directors, the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), conferences, and publications.
Social Event: Picnic on the Drillfield Social
Description: Bring your lunch and a blanket (optional) for a picnic on the Drillfield.
Date: April 13, 2026
Time: 11:30-1:00 PM
Location: The Drillfield on campus (an indoor location will be available depending on weather)
Social Event: End of Semester Social: Sponsored by the VT Property Management Degree Program
Description: You made it to the end of the semester – the VT Property Management Degree Program is buying drinks and food to help us celebrate!
Date: May 6, 2026
Time: 5:30-7:30 PM
Location: Maroon Door in Blacksburg