The Appreciative Advising Potential Interest Group would focus on how the organizational development theory of Appreciative Inquiry can be utilized in academic advising. From the article co-authored by Jennifer Bloom and Nancy Archer Martin:  “’Appreciative Inquiry is the cooperative search for the best in people, their organizations, and the world around them . . . AI involves the art and practice of asking questions that strengthen a system's capacity to heighten positive potential’ (Cooperrider & Whitney, 1999, p. 10). The link to academic advising seems clear. As advisers, we are constantly trying to help our students reach their full potential, and one of the primary tools that we have for empowering students is asking questions. AI challenges us to make sure that we ask positive questions, aimed at helping students discover their strengths, abilities, and skills.”

Two colleagues at University of North Carolina-Greensboro—Scott Amundsen (now at Eastern Kentucky University) and Bryant Hutson—gave a presentation at the NACADA National Conference in Las Vegas on this topic, which was well attended (approximately 150 people), and there appeared to be a great deal of interest in this topic. Jennifer Bloom has also presented on the topic of Appreciative Inquiry to academic advisors throughout the country based on the article she co-wrote for The Mentor called "Incorporating Appreciative Inquiry into Academic Advising."