Inaugural Symposium Inspires Advisors, Student Serving Professionals

The inaugural Advising and Student Serving Professionals Symposium brought 80 faculty and staff from across NC State University together for networking, breakout sessions, inspirational speakers — and a keynote address which included an impromptu concert.

The event was held on Dec. 7 in Talley Student Union and was hosted by the Advising Professional Development Committee and Symposium Planning Team. It was sponsored by Doneka Scott, vice chancellor and dean of the Division of Academic and Student Affairs (DASA), and Bret Smith, senior associate dean of University College, also part of DASA. 

Kesha Reed, associate vice chancellor for DASA, gave welcome and opening remarks, and Marcy Bullock, director of professional development for NC State’s Career Development Center, delivered the keynote address. 

Bullock’s keynote was titled “Self-Care vs. After-Care.” During her address, she encouraged attendees to “put their own safety mask on first” and prioritize non-negotiable routines in their daily lives, such as rest, movement, eating — and remembering to take time to breathe. She also had participants write down and discuss some of their goals, unique traits, ways they unwind, important people in their lives and more. She concluded by singing I Can See Clearly Now.

After the event, every participant left with a wellness bag with pens, eye masks and custom socks from NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles. 
“We can’t serve students effectively if we feel burned out, undervalued and disconnected,” said Katie Cartmell, director for the Office of Advising Technology. “The committee hoped this symposium would provide professionals with space to learn — not only for their students’ benefit, but also their own. Between community building, self-reflection and learning from colleagues, I think we accomplished our goal and look forward to improving next year.”