Themes of change and opportunity at this year's Advising Fall Welcome
The 2025 Advising Fall Welcome brought together members of the advising community to kick off the new academic year. Held at the start of fall quarter, this annual event provides a platform to welcome new advisors, a chance to reflect and set intentions, a space to acknowledge the collective impact of advising on campus, an opportunity to refocus on the year ahead, and a venue to celebrate outstanding colleagues.
As one of the few annual in-person gatherings of the wide advising community, the event began with a community-building table topic activity intended to spark new conversations and build bridges across units. Creating space for connection is central to the Academic Advising Enrichment (AAE) mission, as a way to foster a strong interwoven network of support for students.
AAE Executive Director Kayton Carter's slides and remarks centered on change as opportunity and how we can continue to support student success in an evolving academic landscape. Carter shared thoughtful considerations regarding inclusive practices, as well as new resources available for the advising community. For example, the Supporting Students of Concern Protocol, developed by Lauren Wong, is a tool designed to help units navigate complex student situations, particularly where such resources may not exist. Carter also encouraged advisors to provide input and strategic insight in upcoming Advising Executive Workgroup (AEW) Sense-Making Sessions and to pursue ongoing professional development to navigate change with confidence and care.
Advising awards
The event concluded with a heartfelt awards ceremony recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advising community. Congratulations to the 2025 honorees:
- Outstanding Staff Advisor: Saranjit Uppal
- Outstanding New Advisor: Abby Ramirez
- Outstanding Advising Administrator: Anya Gibson
- Outstanding Campus Collaborators: Brandy Fleming and Tracy Falk
- Outstanding Advising Community Partner (inaugural award): Karisa Asato
- Outstanding Advising Mentor: Vien Cantorna
- Outstanding Equity Champion: Christopher Pangelina
- Outstanding Peer Advisor: Benjamin Getz
- Outstanding Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ali Moghimi
- Outstanding Faculty Advisor Certificate of Merit: Dr. Lorena Marquez
Looking ahead
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's Advising Fall Welcome. Your energy and commitment to student success continue to shape a vibrant and supportive advising culture on our campus. As we move into a new academic year, we look forward to the continued growth and meaningful impact that comes from working together in times of change.