Leonor Wangensteen

Associate Advising Faculty
Director, Undocumented Student Initiatives
Center for University Advising

Research Interests

Intercultural Competence in Academic Advising, Undocumented Student Experiences, DEI in Higher Education Student Services

Biography

Leonor Wangensteen is Associate Advising Faculty in the Center for University Advising (CUA), and has advised first-year students since 2013. She is a recipient of the 2018-19 Dockweiler Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising. As Director of Undocumented Student Initiatives, Leonor collaborates across campus in the development and implementation of sustainable, institutional support systems for the Dream ND student and alumni populations. Leonor is committed to shaping a welcoming campus environment that benefits all students, without marginalizing disenfranchised and underrepresented groups. Her work shows relentless dedication toward issues of diversity, inclusivity, and equality in higher education, including exploring best practices in advising underrepresented and vulnerable student populations. She is currently writing two book chapters: “Training for cultural competence and advising across difference,” Comprehensive Advisor Training & Development, 3rd Edition, NACADA: forthcoming October 2022 and “Emerging Issues in Advising LGBTQ Immigrant Students,” Advising LGBTQ Students in the 21st Century, NACADA: forthcoming October 2021. As a Notre Dame double alumna (2003 B.A., 2009 M.A.) and as an employee in different departments of the University (Alumni Association, 1999-2003; Department of Romance Languages and Literatures, 2007-2012; Kellogg Institute for International Studies, 2012-2013; First Year of Studies, 2013-current) Leonor brings an extensive range of skills in academe, has worked on many teams across campus, and has built great familiarity with the functioning and mission of the University. Her bilingual and multicultural skills add an important asset to her communication capabilities and cultural awareness.