Student Success AdvocateAt — Fullerton College-Student Success Advocate Program

Student advocates are assigned a caseload of students to
ensure they are enrolled, progressing and achieving success.
Advocates provide individualized support through one-on-one
meetings and direct messaging, using Banner, Starfish and other
technology resources to communicate and document efforts.
They also connect students with programs and events to bolster
engagement and retention, as well as experiences that align
educational opportunities with achieving their goals. Throughout
their interactions, student advocates prioritize cultural
competence, cultural humility and equity-mindedness.

Daily Tasks:
• Meet with students one-on-one or in small groups to discuss academic goals, challenges, and resource needs.
• Guide students through processes such as scheduling appointments with advisors or faculty, applying for tutoring, and utilizing mental health resources.
• Facilitate workshops or group sessions on study skills, time management, and self-advocacy.
• Document interactions with students and provide feedback to program coordinators.
• Manage and effectively maintain student caseload
• Participate in regular professional development opportunities and feedback sessions

Training
Program Overview: The Student Advocate Program is designed to equip advocates, primarily higher education students from nearby universities, with the necessary skills and knowledge to support Fullerton College students in navigating their academic journey. Advocates will undergo comprehensive training before and throughout the academic year to prepare them for their roles. The program is structured in key phases that enhance their ability to effectively connect students with resources, promote self-advocacy, and facilitate productive academic behaviors.
Phase 1: Orientation and Initial Training (Week 1)
Mandatory Orientation:
The program begins with a mandatory orientation session during the first week of the assigned schedule. This session introduces advocates to the program’s goals, mission, policies, and the specific expectations of their role. Advocates will receive guidance on confidentiality, boundaries, and ethical standards.
Departmental Training:
Advocates participate in a departmental training that focuses on understanding the infrastructure of the support system at the university. This includes a thorough overview of available resources, how to refer students to the appropriate services, and an understanding of student privacy laws (e.g., FERPA).
Phase 2: Core Training in Key Areas
1. Appreciative Advising (Modified for Advocates):
Advocates will learn the foundations of Appreciative Advising, focusing on helping students identify their strengths and use these strengths to address challenges. The training will be modified to align with their role, emphasizing building rapport and fostering a positive and proactive relationship with students.
2. Metacognition and Self-Regulation:
Training on metacognitive strategies teaches advocates how to help students become more aware of their thinking and learning processes. Advocates will also focus on helping students develop self-regulation skills, such as setting goals, managing time, and evaluating their own progress.
3. Case Management & Referral Skills:
Advocates will be trained in case management techniques to assess students’ needs, document interactions, and make appropriate referrals. They will be equipped to guide students to the correct campus resources based on their concerns, whether academic, personal, or career related.
4. Professional Development:
Professional development sessions will include workshops led by faculty members and outside professionals. Topics may include communication skills, conflict resolution, leadership, and career readiness. This phase will also incorporate role-playing exercises to practice responding to a variety of student concerns.
Phase 3: Role Clarification and Boundaries
Advocates will be educated on their specific role limitations. They will be clearly informed that their responsibilities do not include advising students on course selection or providing counseling services. Instead, advocates will focus on:
• Resource Navigation: Helping students understand and access resources like tutoring, counseling, career services, and academic workshops.
• Preparation for Professional Support: Advocates will prepare students for meetings with academic advisors, counselors, tutors or professors, explaining what to expect and how to make the most of those interactions.
• Peer Support and Encouragement: Advocates will encourage students to visit professors during office hours, participate in extracurricular activities, and engage in self-care practices.
Phase 4: Ongoing Support and Professional Development
Weekly Check-ins & Reflection:
Throughout the academic year, advocates will participate in weekly reflection sessions with program coordinators or supervisors. These sessions provide a platform for discussing challenges, sharing success stories, and refining skills.
Continued Education:
The training program will include periodic workshops and seminars on advanced topics, such as navigating academic challenges, building resilience, and promoting mental wellness.
The comprehensive training will ensure advocates are well-equipped to make a meaningful impact on student success, while also promoting their own professional and personal growth throughout the academic year.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this internship, the student will be able to
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of available campus resources and how to guide students in accessing them.
• Management of assigned caseload of hundreds of students. Maintain detailed student contact notes, appointment calendar and records of requirement completion in Starfish, using other platforms as needed.
• Develop strong communication skills that foster positive, supportive relationships with students.
• Apply metacognitive strategies to support students in their academic and personal development.
• Understand the ethical boundaries of their role and make appropriate referrals based upon student needs
• Cultivate professional skills necessary for career and personal growth in higher education settings. Such as collaborating with faculty, staff and administrators as applicable