Assistant Director, Student Experiences Lehigh University, United States
In an era of division and disruption, higher education must reimagine how it supports students—especially those from historically underrepresented backgrounds. This brief session will explore how one new college at a 160-year-old university transitioned from a traditional faculty-based advising model to a centralized, professional structure focused on equity, consistency, and belonging.
Driven by a belief that advising should be more than course selection, the college restructured its approach to provide holistic, student-centered support rooted in trust and connection. Faculty moved into mentoring roles while trained advisors became critical touchpoints for navigating academic, personal, and institutional challenges.
This presentation will outline the case for change, the challenges of shifting long-standing models, and key takeaways for designing inclusive, restorative student support systems. Attendees will leave with insights into how advising—done with intention—can become a stabilizing force that fosters belonging and empowers every student to thrive.
