Advising Generalist Josh Linerode Completes Appreciative Advising Certificate

Advising Generalist At Lake Erie College, Josh Linerode, recently completed a certification from the Office of Appreciative Advising at Florida Atlantic University. With this new experience, Linerode will improve the Academic Advising experience for all Lake Erie College students.

In February 2021, Linerode began an online course in Appreciative Advising through Florida Atlantic University. Throughout the course, he learned about Appreciative Advising, Choice Theory, and giving the power to the students in their advising appointments. Advisors are taught to help students meet any goals they set, as well as assisting them in setting their goals. In every step of the course, as well as the application for certification, Linerode was able to involve students in his learning. Lake Erie College students assisted in discussion questions and submitted an evaluation of Linerode for him to complete his application packet. With his application submitted, his certification was approved for five years initially, but has been extended to a lifetime certification as of September 2021.

“I believe the skills I’ve learned will make Academic Advising a more enjoyable experience for students and Advisors because it focuses on setting goals and doing everything we can to exceed those goals,” said Linerode. “Academic Advising should be a positive and fun experience for all of us involved.”

The Appreciative Advising course at Florida Atlantic University was taught by Jennifer Bloom, who wrote the book on Appreciative Advising. Discussions throughout the course were led by other certified Appreciative Advisors. Linerode believes that the certification he has received will help humanize the Academic Advising experience. At first he planned to simply take the course and learn about Appreciative Advising. However, the content of the course resonated with him and he decided to pursue the certification as well.

“Something that I truly love about Advising is that I get to help students reach their fullest potential, even if they do not realize it,” Linerode explained. “I am really looking forward to using these skills with the campus community because they are transferable to many different aspects of working in higher education and not just the advising appointment.”