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

2. 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?

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. NACADA Concept of Academic Advising

8. NACADA Core Values

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

10. 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

11. Values Family Education Religion Cultural Discovery Integrity Respect
Generosity
Mentoring

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

13. 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

14. 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?

15. Great thing about it….

16. 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?

17. References
Frietag, D. Creating a Personal Philosophy of Academic Advising. Retrieved from the NACADA Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources Web site:
NACADA. (2005). NACADA statement of core values of academic advising. Retrieved from the NACADA Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources Web site: 
National Academic Advising Association. (2006). NACADA concept of academic advising. Retrieved fromhttp://
White, E. R. (2006).Using CAS Standards for Self-Assessment and Improvement. Retrieved from the NACADA Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources Web site: