The SCALED grant is a CSU System initiative designed to strengthen undergraduate student success through coordinated, research-informed advising practices. The grant supports systemwide professional learning, technology enhancements, and shared frameworks that help advisors across CSU Fort Collins, CSU Pueblo, and CSU Global better meet the needs of today’s students.
Grow is one of the grant’s signature projects, created to provide a sustainable, evidence-based development pathway for all who provide academic advising to undergraduate students across the CSU System.
How Grow was developed
Grow was built through extensive review of national advising research and direct input from advisors across the CSU System. The program draws from NACADA Core Competencies, EAB’s guidance on proactive and inclusive advising, and widely recognized best practices in student success. The result is a program grounded in research, aligned with systemwide goals, and responsive to the lived experiences of advisors who support CSU System students every day.
What is Grow?
Grow is the CSU System’s advisor development and certificate program, created for professional and faculty undergraduate advisors at CSU Fort Collins, CSU Pueblo, and CSU Global. Designed as a multi-year, research-informed learning experience, Grow offers core sessions, campus-based electives, and flexible participation options that strengthen advising practice, build cross-campus connection, and support meaningful student success. Through shared expectations and practical skill-building, advisors can deepen their expertise, stay current with evolving best practices, and ultimately earn the CSU System Grow Certificate.
Why participate?
Grow helps advisors:
- Strengthen advising strategies grounded in evidence and student success.
- Deepen skill in asset-based advising and caseload management.
- Build community across CSU Fort Collins, CSU Pueblo, and CSU Global.
- Earn a CSU System certificate of completion.
- Access flexible, semester-based offerings in multiple formats.
- Contribute to the profession through facilitation or mentorship opportunities.
Program structure
- Core sessions: Three foundational trainings are offered each semester to build shared systemwide expectations.
- Elective sessions: Campus-developed workshops highlighting specific student populations, advising needs, or institutional contexts.
- Flexible format: Sessions are available in person and online. Advisors can participate at their own pace and track progress toward certification.
To earn the Grow certificate, advisors must complete all three core sessions, attend five elective sessions (any campus), and submit short reflections connecting learning to NACADA competency domains.
Get involved
Advisors across the CSU System are invited to:
- Join as learners.
- Propose or facilitate elective sessions. Fill out a facilitator interest form.
- Collaborate with colleagues across campuses.
- Provide feedback to strengthen future offerings.
For more information or questions, contact:
Dr. Rye B. Vigil
Lead, Student Success Education & System Collaboration
CSU System | SCALED Grant Initiative
Amber Sanchez
Coordinator
CSU System | SCALED Grant Initiative