Transactional to Transformational Practices

The information and excersices below will help you reflect on how to adjust your advising practice to be less transactional and more transformational.

Exercise

Reflect on a recent interaction with a student where they presented you with an ask at the beginning of your time together (i.e. “I want to drop X class” or “I need to get into X major”.) Think about opportunities within that conversation where you could elevate transformation and increase belonging for this student.

Advisors can consider the paradigm shift of “transactional” to “transformational” as they work towards inclusive relationships with students. Though not all interactions will be transformational, each interaction offers opportunity for deeper impact.

Fostering a deep sense of inclusion and belonging for students requires the opportunity to go beyond transactional relationships and elevate opportunities for transformation. Remember, not all conversations will be transformational in total, but each presents a chance to elevate belonging.

Transformational Reminders:

• Each request often comes with a feeling, experience, question, belief or story which may be impacted by identity
• Get curious about the student you are working with, their unique needs, and the context that they are in
• Prioritize presence and engage beyond the stated ask