Shared Advising 101 is a a two-day in-person seminar designed for higher education administrators who are considering or beginning a shift toward shared and collaborative advising models.
Join us December 1-2, 2026, at the University of Pittsburgh's Pittsburgh campus. Come with an idea, leave with a plan!
Why Shared Advising?
Research has consistently shown that shared organizational models of academic advising that underscore collaboration and holistic student interactions lead to stronger student success outcomes. Yet making that shift often feels out of reach.
This seminar is designed to change that. Over two engaging days, you will be inspired, equipped, and connected with peers facing the same challenges. Come with an idea, leave with a plan.
What to Expect
Through interactive discussions, hands-on workshops, and a guided campus tour, you will leave with a practical framework tailored to your institution, including:
- A data audit framing the case for change
- An analysis of strengths and gaps in your current advising model
- A working definition of advising and mentoring for your campus
- An advising resource gap analysis
- A plan to build or strengthen your advising community
- An initial change management strategy
- A technology evaluation to support advising at scale
You will hear directly from the University of Pittsburgh's Student Success Team, including an honest account of what worked, what was hard, and what they would do differently.
Seminar Registration and Pricing
Individual registration: $500 per person
Group rate: $425 per person (two or more attendees from the same campus)
Registration must be completed by November 16, 2026.
A link for registration will be coming soon. Please check back in August.
Spaces are limited to ensure a high-quality, small-cohort experience. We encourage you to register early and to consider bringing a colleague to take advantage of the group rate and to share in the work ahead.
Seminar Daily Agenda
Day 1 - December 1, 2026
8:30 a.m. | Arrival, Breakfast and Welcome
9:15 a.m. | Introduction to Shared Advising – Pitt Case Study
The Pitt Student Success Team shares their own journey: what prompted change, key milestones, and an honest look at what worked and what didn't.
10 a.m. | Using Data to Make Your Case
Hands-on data workshop. Participants identify the data they have, what's missing, and what story their data tells to make the case for change.
11 a.m. | Hierarchy of Student Needs – Spheres of Influence
Small groups map which student needs their current advising model addresses well, and where a collaborative approach could extend reach.
Noon | Lunch with Table Discussions
1 p.m. | Campus Tour
1:30 p.m. | Defining Advising at Your Institution
Participants draft a working definition of advising for their campus.
2:30 p.m. | Training and Resources
Participants assess current training and resources, and 2–3 priority gaps to address first.
3:30 p.m. | Building Advising Community
Groups generate low-cost, high-impact ways to build a shared advising community. Each participant commits to one idea to pilot upon return.
4:30 p.m. | Day One Wrap-Up and Reflection
Participants write a reflection on the first conversation they need to have when they return and who they need to have it with.
Evening | Group Dinners Arranged
Day 2 - December 2, 2026
8:30 a.m. | Welcome Back Breakfast
9 a.m. | Change Management
Structured rotating roundtables on faculty buy-in, advisor resistance, realistic transition timelines, and how Pitt structured its own change management process.
9:45 a.m. | Technology and Interventions Mapping
Groups map tech use to support specific advising interventions for student success.
11 a.m. | Collaborative Partnerships Panel
Moderated panel with ca.m.pus leaders on building and sustaining cross-functional partnerships, including what breaks down and how to repair it. Open Q&A.
Noon | Lunch with Table Discussions
1 p.m. | How to Tell Your Story
Frameworks for communicating the value of shared advising to provosts, deans, advisors, and students. Participants draft and workshop an audience-tailored pitch.
1:45 p.m. | 30/60/90 Commitment Plan and Closing
Participants create a concrete action plan for the 30, 60, and 90 days ahead, then each share their first 30-day action with the full group.
2:30 p.m. | Closing Reflections and Optional Consultations
Closing reflection and optional one-on-one or small group sessions with the Pitt Student Success Tea.m. for personalized guidance on your institutional context.
3 p.m. | End of Seminar
Questions?
Contact us via email at pittact@pitt.edu.
