| Presentation Proposal - NACADA Annual Conference |
| Presentation Info and Handouts |
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Code=573
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Conference Year:
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2026
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Session #:
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(NO)
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Title:
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Human-Centered Advising: Early Relational Strategies for Graduate Social Work Retention |
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Lead Presenter:
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Yarneccia Dyson |
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Date:
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December 31, 1969 Time: 6:00 pm - 6:00 pm |
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Room:
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Abstract:
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Human-Centered Advising: Early Relational Strategies for Graduate Social Work Retention examines how proactive, relationship-centered advising strengthens belonging and persistence among graduate social work students navigating complex academic and professional demands. This presentation highlights the implementation of structured early touchpoints, including outreach to approximately 400 admitted students and 199 voluntary 1:1 virtual connection interviews among confirmed enrollees. Grounded in the Appreciative Advising Model, this human-centered approach reframes enrollment as the beginning of a supported relational journey rather than a transactional transition. Students reported increased confidence, reduced anxiety, and a heightened sense of being seen and valued-key predictors of long-term persistence. Complementary initiatives and structured feedback systems further demystified the hidden curriculum and strengthened community integration. Findings underscore that early relational engagement is foundational to retention, academic confidence, and sustained student success. |
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Handouts
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Note: Handouts (if offered for this session) are accessible via the conference app. |
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