Keeping the Academic in Advising: Where Academic Advising Belongs in the Collegiate Structure

Abstract

Abstract Where should academic advising be housed within a college or university organizational structure? To assure that the academic is emphasized in academic advising, the most logical and appropriate location is within the academic structure of the institution, which means being placed as close as possible to the faculty and the curriculum. This approach allows academic advisors to engage in teaching, research, and community service just as their faculty colleagues do. Having academic advisors teach (in their offices and in classrooms), engage in research advancing the literature of academic advising, work with faculty to enhance curriculum when necessary, and develop policies and procedures that might enhance student success will move forward the professionalization of the field.