The following Guiding Principles are intended to provide a broad foundation for advising practice as well as a vision toward which we can strive while doing our part to reinvigorate the undergraduate experience at UW–Madison. These Guiding Principles were created and voted on by the Council on Academic Advising (CAA) in 2009, with small adaptations since.
1. Academic Success
Academic advisors support student learning and development, facilitate academic exploration, help students connect their learning to themselves and their world, and share responsibility for campus-wide learning outcomes.
2. Career Development
From a developmental frame of reference, advisors help students reflect on their educational experiences and engage them in identifying, developing, and realizing their plans, goals, and possible careers.
3. Self-Reflection
Through careful listening and questioning, advisors create an open, respectful, and supportive environment in which students can explore and consider their experiences, feelings, values, aptitudes, and aspirations.
4. Effective Navigation
Advisors teach students about degree requirements, institutional policies and procedures, and university structure and culture, and refer them to campus support services
5. Timely Graduation
Advisors support student academic success and help students make reasonable and appropriate progress toward degree completion.
6. Value of Education
Advisors help students identify the knowledge, understanding, and skills they are gaining through their college experience; support the development of students’ critical thinking, integrative, and communication skills; and help link students’ learning and professional preparation to the workplace.
7. Wisconsin Experience
In the tradition of the Wisconsin Idea and the Wisconsin Experience, advisors encourage students to participate in out-of-class learning experiences, engage with and serve local and global communities to solve real-world problems, and integrate in-class and out-of-class learning.
8. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice
Advisors encourage students to learn in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice as it relates to their time at the UW and beyond graduation. Advisors help students build awareness and skills to create a more just and equitable world.
9. Leadership
Advisors help students become effective decision makers who accept responsibility for their actions and the impact of their choices on their lives and their communities.
10. Life-long Learning
Advisors foster in students a commitment to life-long learning and the “life of the mind”—and model that commitment in their own work and life.