Academic Advising Training Program

The Academic Advising Training Program (AATP) is a tri-campus initiative offering professional development for staff members who provide academic and other types of advising to students. It recognizes that high-quality advising advances the University’s priorities to re-envision student experience, foster a supportive learning community and enhance access to inclusive, culturally appropriate support services.

The AATP promotes a developmental approach to advising through a six-week Foundations of Advising program and Advising Community of Practice events, respectively launched in 2022 and 2023. 150 staff members from all three U of T campuses have participated in Foundations of Advising, and more than 450 have attended a Community of Practice event. The unique cross-divisional approach of the AATP showcases the services and programming of many Student Life departments.

Staff participants have enthusiastic feedback about their experiences in the AATP’s collaborative, learner-centered programs. Every Foundations of Advising survey respondent noted that they learned something from the program that would make them a better advisor, and 98 per cent strongly recommended it for other staff members. One participant called the program “invaluable,” adding,

“I have increased confidence that I can provide advising the ‘right’ way through the knowledge gained from participating in the program.”