Margot Harris

Mason Advising Symposium explores best practices and creates community

Susan Martonik — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 13:32:44 +0000

Mason Advising Symposium explores best practices and creates community Susan Martonik Mon, 07/20/2026 - 09:32

Academic advisors are among the first people students turn to when making decisions about courses, careers, research opportunities, study-abroad experiences, and campus resources. This wide-ranging role requires advisors to understand the university’s academic offerings, student support services, and the pathways students use to navigate them.

Reflecting the breadth of topics academic advisors address, the 2026 91�� Advising Symposium brought nearly 100 advisors, faculty, staff, and graduate assistants to the Johnson Center on May 21 for a day of professional development, networking, and recognition of outstanding contributions. The symposium helped attendees better understand the programs, services, and experiences shaping student life.

“At its best, advising helps students recognize possibilities--not just how to complete college, but how to experience it,” said Michelle Steiner, director of undergraduate academic success in Undergraduate Education. “That’s our goal with the Mason Advising Symposium—to empower advisors to help students see new possibilities.”

Supporting the whole student

Carrie Ann Delaney (center) and other advising community members listen intently during the awards ceremony presentations. Photo by John Boal Photography.

Because advisors help students navigate far more than degree requirements, staying informed about the opportunities and challenges students encounter across the university is an essential part of the role.

With that in mind, symposium sessions explored the many facets of the student experience at George Mason. Participants learned about opportunities for students to study at Mason Korea, explored ways to introduce undergraduates to research and creative activities through the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR), and discussed strategies for helping students build a stronger sense of belonging, including connecting students with campus communities and sharing ways to get involved beyond the classroom.

Other presentations focused on student-athletes, international students, the changing job market, and trauma-informed approaches to student success. Advisors also learned about resources available through the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being and discussed how to support both student and advisor wellness.

Taken together, the sessions underscored how advising intersects with many aspects of university life, from research and global education to well-being and career preparation.

Connecting advisors across George Mason

The symposium also provided an opportunity for advisors to connect with one another.

“Academic advising at George Mason is decentralized, and the profession is one where we mostly work independently,” said Sylvia Lee, academic advisor coordinator in Undergraduate Education, who founded and chairs the symposium. “The Mason Advising Symposium is a great way to help build community among our advisors.”

The program included updates from colleges, schools, and programs across the university, along with networking activities designed to help participants learn more about each other’s work and identify opportunities for collaboration.

“The George Mason advising community is so supportive and eager to learn,” said Collin Arthur, senior academic advisor in the Costello College of Business. “[The symposium] allowed us to have quality conversations among attendees regarding best practices in advising at George Mason.”

For Amy Vaillancourt Mandt, an academic advisor in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, those conversations provided an opportunity to focus on the rewards of the profession. “One of the main things that stood out to me was the chance to reflect on all the joy that can be found in advising and from being a part of our community,” she said.

Honoring outstanding work

The symposium also served as an opportunity to recognize advisors whose work has made a meaningful impact across the university.

From L-R: Julio Diaz-Carroll and Joshua Fletcher, co-chairs of the Advisor Mentorship Program (AMP), present certificates to this year's AMP program participants. Photo by John Boal Photography.

During the event, Undergraduate Education presented advising awards and introduced the inaugural Nessad Awards, a series of peer-nominated superlatives created to celebrate the advising community.

By recognizing both formal achievements and the everyday contributions that support students and colleagues, the awards ceremony offered a moment to celebrate the people behind academic advising and their role in student success.

Ultimately, the event highlighted the wide range of expertise advisors bring to their work—and the important role they play in helping students make the most of their George Mason experience.

Topics

Academic Advising

Faculty and Staff News

Academic Advising Awards recognize outstanding undergraduate advisors

ckearney — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:56:51 +0000

Academic Advising Awards recognize outstanding undergraduate advisors ckearney Tue, 06/02/2026 - 11:56

The Office of Academic Advising has announced the recipients of the 2026 Academic Advising Awards, recognizing undergraduate advisors who have made a meaningful impact on student success across 91��.

This year, the awards drew 376 nominations representing 97 individuals from across the university, highlighting the important role advisors play in helping students navigate their academic journeys and build a sense of belonging at George Mason.

“Advising touches the entirety of the community in such positive ways, and that becomes even more clear when you read award nominations,” said Michelle Steiner, director of undergraduate academic success in the Office of Academic Advising. “It is deeply personal work with a direct impact on student success.”

This year’s nominations came from a broad range of units and advising roles across the university, reflecting growing awareness of the awards process across campus.

“This is my fourth year coordinating the awards, and one thing that stood out to me this year is the number of new names being recognized for the great work they are doing,” said academic advisor coordinator Sylvia Lee.

The 2026 selection committee included representatives from Undergraduate Education, the Mason Academic Advisor Network, Student Success Coaching, and a previous award recipient.

Academic Advisor of the Year

Rebecca Lane. Photo by John Boal Photography

Rebecca Lane of the College of Engineering and Computing has been named the 2026 V. Ann Lewis Academic Advisor of the Year.

Now in its 22nd year, the award is selected exclusively from student nominations and recognizes an advisor who demonstrates exceptional commitment to supporting undergraduate students. Named in honor of Lewis, a longtime George Mason advisor, the award reflects a legacy of student-centered advising.

Students described Lane as someone who listens carefully, creates a welcoming and inclusive environment, and goes above and beyond to support their success. One student wrote that Lane “always makes time to listen,” adding that she creates “a safe space for students from all backgrounds.”

Patriot Inspiration Award

Sofia Quiroga Paz. Photo by John Boal Photography

Sofia Quiroga Paz of the Costello College of Business received the Patriot Inspiration Award, which recognizes advisors who demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their work with students.

Now in its fifth year, the award is based on nominations from students, faculty, and staff, and highlights efforts to support a wide range of student experiences.

One nominator described Quiroga Paz as someone who “creates a strong sense of belonging for every student she works with,” highlighting her ability to connect students to resources and opportunities across campus. Nominations also noted her work supporting military-affiliated students, first-generation students, and multilingual students, as well as her efforts to foster collaboration across the university community.

Unsung Hero Award

Joshua Fletcher. Photo by John Boal Photography

Joshua Fletcher of the College of Engineering and Computing received the Unsung Hero Award, which honors advisors whose work has a significant impact behind the scenes.

Also in its fifth year, the award recognizes contributions that strengthen advising operations and enhance the student experience.

Fletcher was spotlighted for his leadership in undergraduate advising and his behind-the-scenes contributions to supporting students and advising operations. Nomination materials highlighted his commitment to a student-first approach and his efforts to strengthen advising practices within his unit.

Top 10 Advisors

From left, Martin Abruzzo, Robert Yi, Jana Biever, Jordan Emely, Collin Arthur, William Hanauer, and Claudia Borke. Photo by John Boal Photography

In addition to the award recipients, 10 advisors were recognized for their outstanding contributions:

Martin Abruzzo, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Elli Ambros, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Collin Arthur, Costello College of Business
Jana Biever, Schar School of Policy and Government
Claudia Borke, College of Engineering and Computing
Jordan Emely, Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution
William Hanauer, Costello College of Business
Troy Lowery, College of Public Health
Allison Winters, Bachelor of Applied Science Program
Robert Yi, College of Visual and Performing Arts

Awards were open to faculty and staff who provide academic advising to undergraduate students at George Mason. Nominations were submitted by students, faculty, and staff, and reviewed anonymously by a selection committee to ensure a fair and equitable process.