The philanthropic Stupski Foundation has awarded Cal Poly Pomona a grant to support advisor wellness.

With the $17,000 grant, the Office of Student Success, Equity & Innovation's University Advising team will promote wellbeing programming to over 70 staff academic advisors across the college advising centers, Bronco Advising Center and advising support programs. This includes hosting an advisor-focused retreat, creating a professional development program, and providing a series of workshops on stress relief, coping mechanisms and overall wellness. Programming will begin in spring 2023.

The grant was open to colleges and universities within the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA)'s Region 9 area. Out of dozens of submissions, the Stupski Foundation chose CPP's program for its potential to change the culture and narrative around the advising profession.

"Our advisors have always been a critical resource to students but became a lifeline to students during the pandemic," said Cecilia Santiago-González, assistant vice president, strategic initiatives for student success. "We recognize that advisors may be experiencing burnout and compassion fatigue as they have supported our students and each other during very challenging times. We care about them and their wellbeing. I am thankful that we have this grant to support a well-being program specifically for them."

The group that worked on the grant submission included Santiago-González, Erin Lion DeRosa, Pedro Navarro, Vannessa Lopez, Jay Ebue, Nancy Mejia Terriquez and Ebony Miles. The team was recognized at the NACADA Annual Conference in October in Portland, Oregon.

NACADA is the national professional organization for academic advising. The CPP advising community is heavily involved in NACADA national and regional activities and uses its core competencies to guide advising practices. The Stupski Foundation partnered with NACADA to fund proposals that address academic advisors' mental health.