Program Overview

Fundamentals of Advising at Mason (FOAM)

The Fundamentals of Advising at Mason (FOAM) training is a priority for all Mason academic advisors, providing them with the essential knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality advising experiences to students. This training is supplemental to the training provided within each school, college, or department.

Introduction to FOAM

FOAM is designed for professionals of all experience levels, but it is particularly recommended for those who are new to academic advising. The training includes three live workshops and four asynchronous training modules, developed based on guidance from the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) and the specific needs of academic advisors at Mason.

FOAM Itinerary for New Advisors

The FOAM itinerary for new advisors at Mason consists of the following steps:

1. Enroll in Fundamentals of Advising at Mason on MasonLeaps.
2. Complete the asynchronous training modules.
3. Complete the Banner Navigation, FERPA 101, and Patriot Connect trainings on MasonLeaps.
4. Enroll in and complete the live workshops.
5. Complete the training within your school, college, or department, which includes:

• Curriculum requirements in your advising area
• Details of school, college, or department-specific policies, procedures, and forms
• Advising appointment shadowing
• New Student Orientation
• Student programming, events, appointment, and email campaigns or outreach
• Calendar and appointment expectations
• Advising students for good standing, including those below 2.0, returning from suspension, unsatisfactory midterms, warning, probation, and related policies
• Advising for Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) and graduate school

6. Complete the additional required HR trainings for new employees.

Asynchronous Modules

The asynchronous modules are completed on MasonLeaps and cover the following topics:

• The Mason Degree: This session provides an overview of the Mason degree, including the Mason Core, major coursework, degree structure, and a brief introduction to the Honors College.
• Degree Works for Advisors: Please note that Mason has transitioned from Degree Works to a new Degree Audit system. Advisors can find more information and resources on the Registrar's website.
• Registration and Program Changes: This session covers academic policies and resources necessary for advisors, including Mason-specific academic standards applicable across schools and colleges throughout the student lifecycle.
• Withdrawals, Exceptions, and External Options: This session provides an overview of possible academic requirement exceptions, external options for academic requirements, and processes to follow for academic and non-academic withdrawals.

Live Workshops

The live workshops are designed to provide advisors with hands-on experience and interaction with other advisors. The workshops cover the following topics:

• Academic Advising Foundations I: This session introduces advisors to the history, importance, and role of academic advising at Mason, including the four pillars of academic advising.
• Academic Advising Foundations II: Best Practices: This session builds on the foundations of academic advising and provides information on best practices, including advising models and approaches, the structure of an advising meeting, and note-taking strategies.
• Academic Advising Tools and Technology: This session provides advisors with an overview of the various tools and technologies used in advising, including Patriot Connect, Degree Audit, PatriotWeb, Banner, and the advising website.

Wrap-Up and Certificate

Upon completion of the entire FOAM training, advisors will receive a certificate. The Academic Advisor Coordinator will track progress and notify supervisors of completion. Advisors are encouraged to provide feedback through evaluations after each training module.