UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Registration is now open for "Inclusive Advising: Building Bridges in a Diverse Learning Environment," the 16th annual Professional Development Conference on Academic Advising taking place Sept. 28 at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel at University Park.

Conference details and an online registration form can be found at dus.psu.edu/2017-fall-conference.

The advising conference will examine the influence of diversity on Penn State's campuses and how to best support all students in such complex learning environments. Participants will be invited to reflect on personal practices as advisers of students with different life experiences, learning preferences, academic preparedness, and family backgrounds — among other differences that attribute to students' unique needs and identities. Participants will to explore how academic advisers can ensure that student diversity is taken into consideration during advising and with regard to institutional practices, and look forward to conversation that examines the adviser's role in advocating for best practices for all students.

The conference is sponsored by Penn State’s Division of Undergraduate Studies, Office of Undergraduate Education, University Faculty Senate, the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, and The Mentor: An Academic Advising Journal.

The Division of Undergraduate Studies, a unit within Penn State Undergraduate Education, is Penn State’s largest unit of enrollment for first-year students. It leads the development of advising policies and practices, manages the University-wide academic information network, and provides general academic advising for current and prospective Penn State students.