Adviser U program continues to help student leadership advisers learn from one another

For years now, the CHSAA-hosted Adviser University gathering of student leadership advisors has served as an important networking event for adults guiding student leadership students across Colorado.

At this year’s seventh annual two-day meeting, held on April 11, nearly 50 student leadership advisors from all over the state exchanged knowledge on how they can improve as a community. Among them, featured guest speaker Ron Ippolito, the 2021-22 state president of the California Association of Directors of Activities, left the Fremont Building in Centennial feeling invigorated by the many exchanges that took place at this year’s Advisor U.

“It’s such a great opportunity for people to come together,” Ippolito said. “It’s great for people to share experiences and share ideas. Even me, I’ve spent 26 years in education and I’m still here furiously taking notes and saying, ‘I need to take that back to my classroom.’ It’s such a great opportunity for people all over the state to learn from each other and even just the smallest thing can become a major takeaway.

 
“Every time I attend an event like this, I always get something new.”

This year’s schedule included lectures on self-paced learning, teambuilding and debriefing, an explanation and overview of all CHSAA activities from CHSAA assistant commissioner Rashaan Davis, who oversees activities, CHSAA recognition programs for activities and advisors, and many other activities and targeted sessions on how student leadership advisors may be able to improve the programs at their schools and districts.

“Adviser University is one of the most valuable trainings we offer our Student Leadership advisers,” Davis said. “This year’s two-day event highlighted the need for this event. With over half of those in attendance having less than five years experience, it was important for us to make sure we helped to fill their leadership bucket. Ron Ippolito, president of the California Association of Directors of Activities, was our featured guest and he brought his wealth of knowledge and strong desire to help Colorado advisers be their best. Chuck Puga, principal of Smoky Hill High School, was also a presenter. Puga talked about how advisers could be their best and the role administrators play in helping make that happen. With presentations from veteran advisers, opportunities to have small group conversations, and mini topics on how to implement curriculum, it was a conference that hit the mark.

Davis added, “It’s great to see our schools invest in training Student Leadership advisers. We know that in many schools, Student Leadership groups tend to create and/or help facilitate anywhere from 15-30 campus events and activities. From assemblies, to fundraisers, to dances, and helping to building school culture, our Student Leadership advisers need all the tips and tools that this conference provides. While that is important, we also want to help advisers navigate daily curriculum, share in processes for elections and selection of new members, and how to continue to grow leaders across their campus.

I am inspired by the energy, commitment, and passion for leadership that these advisers have. We can only hope to get better through the exchange of ideas, building relationships, and building each other up.”