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Higher education faces the challenge of understanding and serving a diverse student population unlike the traditional demographic it was designed for. Traditional systems may not effectively meet the needs of today's students. To ensure that all students succeed, colleges should consider adapting their systems, structures, policies, and practices to better serve them. ATD is committed to aiding colleges in this transformative process through the Strengthening Advising Seminar Series (SASS). 

ATD’s SASS Series offers a suite of interactive virtual sessions designed to equip advising professionals with essential techniques to support students in achieving success in college and career readiness. Developed by experienced advising and holistic support professionals, this eight-part virtual learning experience takes a holistic approach and introduces student-centered strategies to help colleges rethink their student support model. 

Throughout the series, participating colleges are paired with an ATD holistic student supports expert who provides support to implement practice-informed methods to guide students through their college journey.

Please contact HSS@achievingthedream.org for information about cost.

Program Goals:

This interactive series will help teams:

• Understand the concept of holistic student support as defined by ATD and apply this concept to their institution’s advising and support structures
• Identify opportunities for strengthening and transforming existing structures and practices
• Develop strategies to establish cross-functional teams and promote collaboration across departments
• Use existing data and incorporate student feedback to gain insights into student identities and their colleges experiences
• Explore ways to integrate career development and advising strategies throughout the student journey
• Learn from the success stories of other colleges in implementing and evaluating their practices

Program Components: 

This advising professional learning series involves learning and planning by campus-based teams, as well as collaboration across teams. The program will integrate multiple components to help teams effectively address campus and program goals:

• Nine synchronous seminar meetings facilitated by ATD staff, coaches, and subject matter experts from September 2026 to May 2027. 
  • During these virtual sessions, colleges teams will engage as a cohort and explore new philosophies, exchange plans and ideas, and collaborate to address goals and challenges. 
• Seven Virtual implementation sessions with an ATD holistic student supports experts (outside of the series workshops). 
  • These sessions are designed to identify strategies to strengthen and enhance advising and holistic support on campus. ATD coaches will facilitate discussions and action planning based on the college’s goals for the program. 
• Utilization of ATD’s Canvas platform to share work and engage in cross-campus learning

Find FAQ document for the SASS Seminar Series here.

Application due June 18, 2026

Questions: Please send any questions about cost or the program to HSS@achievingthedream.org