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PDI was created with the vision to provide an innovative professional development experience for individuals seeking to excel in the field of student athlete support services.  Initiated by the leadership of Past-President Steve McDonnell, PDI began as a pre-convention event at the N4A 30th year Anniversary Convention and was hosted by North Carolina State University (June 2005).  The inaugural Institute focused on Leadership and Management and it was designed for individuals who have been in the field 5-10 years and have demonstrated leadership potential.  In June 2006 PDI was hosted by the University of Pittsburgh.  In 2007 Arizona State University served as our host where the New Professional Track was initiated and it focused on professionals who have been in the field for three years or less.  The 2-½ day Institute has prepared a number of professionals for career advancement at their current place of employment, to higher level positions at other institutions or organizations, and leadership roles within the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics.  In 2009, the Learning Specialist Track was added.

In 2010 the New Practitioner and Learning Specialist Tracks will be hosted by the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.  The Leader Manager Track will return in 2011.

We define professional development as the enhancement of personal qualities within a learned occupation namely, Technical Knowledge and Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Personal Attributes, and Self Awareness.  We believe that all knowledge is socially constructed and therefore strive to create a community for substantive and meaningful dialogue about professional development.  The Institute intends to be deliberate and intentional relative to the breadth, depth, integration, and application of knowledge necessary to meet the learning needs of each participant.  In fact, to give true meaning to the idea of an “Institute”, the partnership between the faculty, participants, and larger body of professionals serving student athletes is the cornerstone for transmitting, creating, preserving the knowledge that defines the profession.

Through this track the Institute seeks to ascertain and enhance knowledge about the foundational knowledge, skills and attributes owned by those embarking the profession.  This track was created and intentionally designed to train and meet the professional development needs of individuals who have been working in the field less than three years yet want to explore, experience, and excel with a band of their professional peers. 

The New Practitioner track is comprised of a series of interconnected intensive and interactive sessions facilitated by seasoned practitioners who are dedicated to the professional growth and career advancement of individuals serving student-athletes on university and college campuses. The Institute will address such topics as follows:

* Safeguarding Your Integrity & Navigating Institutional Culture & Climate
* Developmental Advising
* Monitoring Eligibility
* Working Effectively with Coaches
* Coordinating Support Services
* Climbing the Career Ladder: Planning Your Next Move

The Institute will continue throughout the year through mentoring and continuing education activities.

The New Practitioner track is limited to 20 participants chosen through a competitive application process.

Through this track the Institute seeks to ascertain and enhance knowledge about the knowledge, skills, and attributes owned by professionals serving student-athletes having exceptional abilities requiring unique learning accommodations.  This track was created and intentionally designed to train and meet the professional development needs of individuals desiring to advance their craft in delivering programs and services to this unique student-athlete population, coaches, and various campus stakeholders.

The Learning Specialist track is comprised of a series of interconnected intensive and interactive sessions facilitated by seasoned practitioners who are dedicated to the professional growth and career advancement of individuals serving student-athletes on university and college campuses. The Institute will address such topics as follows:

* Role of Learning Specialist
* Collaboration with other Staff
* Learning Strategies
* Screening
* Program Evaluation

The Institute will continue throughout the year through mentoring and continuing education activities.

The Learning Specialist track is limited to 20 participants chosen through a competitive application process.