Developing Your Advising Philosophy (# 132) Heather Ammons, M.Ed. Tiffany Labon-Sims, M.Ed. NACADA 2012 Annual Conference Nashville, TN

Outline Philosophy What guides it? Why? What is included? What is it? What guides it? Mission CAS NACADA Theories, beliefs, values, personal reflections Why? What is included? So what do we do now?

What is it? How would you define it? Literature: “positive, self-motivating statement of what academic advising means to an advisor. It describes the theories an advisor uses as a foundation for her advising practice…It explains why she is an advisor, guides her day-to-day decisions, helps shape her professional goals and objectives, and provides a solid base for her advising practice.” (Frietag, 2011, p. 1) Your personal mission statement

What guides it? Institution/office mission, vision and goals CAS standards NACADA Concept of Academic Advising NACADA Core Values Theory/Style/Approaches Beliefs Values Personal reflections

UA Mission & Vision Our Mission Our Vision To advance the intellectual and social condition of the people of the State through quality programs of teaching, research, and service. Our Vision The University of Alabama will be the university of choice for the best and brightest students in Alabama and a university of choice for all other students who seek exceptional educational opportunities. The University of Alabama will be a student-centered research university and an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.

BUT….It is applicable to us on a individual level CAS Standards Guidelines for the creation, maintenance, and assessment of academic advising programs BUT….It is applicable to us on a individual level Ethics Learning outcomes Standards of practice

NACADA Concept of Academic Advising

NACADA Core Values

Theory/Style/Approaches Developmental Prescriptive Appreciative Intrusive Praxis Socratic Advising as….coaching/learning/teaching

Beliefs Purpose of advising Purpose of higher education Your role in a student’s development in college What should the office be accomplishing Doesn’t have to just be about higher education, could be: Religious Personal

Values Family Education Religion Cultural Discovery Integrity Respect Generosity Mentoring

Personal Reflections Perception of student history Research interests What excites you about academic advising? Value of education Responsibilities in role

Why? Gives structure to interactions with students (How would you/should you react?) Clarity Opportunity to evaluate where you are and where you want to be (Growth) Get back to heart of why you are here Establish goals Provides meaning

What is included? What would you include? Possibilities: Professional and educational goals What you do What you think the purpose of advising is Theory that guides you Beliefs Topics that interest you Best skills/competencies How you interact with students Why are you doing this? How do you make a difference?

Great thing about it….

So what do we do now? Word jot What is advising to you? Why are you here? What excites you about your job? Educational and professional goals Goals for/how do you interact with students (theory or style based?) What else would you include?

References Frietag, D. Creating a Personal Philosophy of Academic Advising. Retrieved from the NACADA Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources Web site: http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Clearinghouse/AdvisingIssues/create-philosophy.htm NACADA. (2005). NACADA statement of core values of academic advising. Retrieved from the NACADA Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources Web site: http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Clearinghouse/AdvisingIssues/Core-Values.htm National Academic Advising Association. (2006). NACADA concept of academic advising. Retrieved fromhttp://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Clearinghouse/AdvisingIssues/Concept-Advising.htm White, E. R. (2006).Using CAS Standards for Self-Assessment and Improvement. Retrieved from the NACADA Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources Web site: http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Clearinghouse/AdvisingIssues/CAS.htm