Supporting Students Together: Strengthening Student Advising in the CSU

Supporting Students Together: Strengthening Student Advising in the CSU

Nationally, we are increasingly understanding the importance of holistic advising for addressing widening gaps in retention and degree completion–and that its impact becomes even more critical, not less, during times of financial constraint. Across the CSU system, campuses are responding by continuing to deepen their commitment to holistic, student-centered advising that supports equitable student success. This convening brings together colleagues to learn about successful efforts undertaken at two campuses to implement evidence-based holistic advising practices.

Participants will hear from campus leaders who are re-envisioning advising to better meet the diverse needs of students and strengthening cross-campus collaboration. Importantly, presenters will address strategies for implementing change and meaningfully engaging faculty, staff, and administrators in continuous improvement efforts.

Attendees will have an opportunity to interact with the presenters and colleagues from across the system, and will leave with a clearer understanding of practical approaches for advancing holistic advising on their own campuses.

Presenters include

Sarah Ellison, Ed.D., is the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at Sonoma State University, leading the Student Access and Success portfolio. Overseeing University Advising, Student Success and Retention, CAASE, Disability Services, Career Services, and TRIO Pre-Collegiate Programs, she is a dedicated advocate for equity-driven retention and student well-being. Dr. Ellison’s work focuses on bridging the gap between academic programs, advising, career development, and co-curricular support. By integrating these essential services, she ensures that all students have a clear, inclusive, and supported pathway to lifelong success. 

Alvin Nguyen serves as the Director of Student Success & University Advising at Sonoma State University. Since joining SSU in 2011, he has overseen areas including AANHPI student programs, Career Services, FYE/SYE, the Male Success Initiative, Orientation, the Transfer Center, and Veteran Services. In 2023, he established the Office of Student Success & Retention to advance campuswide retention strategies and metrics. A first-generation college graduate and product of the CSU, Alvin is deeply committed to equity and student success. He earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees within the system and has worked professionally at three CSU campuses.

Lori Beth Way, Ph.D., is the Vice Provost of Academic Planning and Dean of Undergraduate Education at San Francisco State University. As Vice Provost, she oversees the Institute for Civic and Community Engagement, the Undergraduate Advising Center, the Tutoring and Academic Support Center, the First Year Experience Faculty Director, assessment, accreditation, and academic program review. In 2019, she was recognized with a CSU-wide award Wang Family Excellence Award that celebrates only one staff or administrator from the 23-campus system who “through extraordinary commitment and dedication, have distinguished themselves through exemplary contributions and achievements.”

Kimberley Altura serves as the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education at San Francisco State University, where she advances student success through strategic leadership in academic advising and tutoring. She has played a central role in transforming advising and tutoring structures at SFSU to better serve students. Since joining the campus in 2001, she has held roles as an academic counselor, Associate Director and Director of the Undergraduate Advising Center, and Associate Dean. Her work focuses on improving access and reducing barriers by building integrated, student-centered support systems.

Please note that the maximum number of attendees for this event will be 200. We do not have the capacity to host beyond 200 folx, so please register early to secure a spot.

Any questions can be sent to studentsuccessnetwork@edinsightscenter.org.