Guided by the Undergraduate Academic Advising Council (UAAC), academic advisors in all academic divisions and on all campuses promote a common set of goals and outcomes. Goals and outcomes are aligned with the advising standards of the National Academic Advising Association.

Advising System Goals

• Academic advising decisions and practices are grounded in a learner-centered philosophy that emphasizes the importance of helping students to make their own informed decisions.
• The roles and contributions of different types of advisors and academic support personnel are clear.
• Appropriate training and ongoing evaluation for academic advisors and academic support personnel are in place.
• The academic advising system is easy to navigate, sustainable, and collaborative across advising units, and enhances the student experience.
• Advising at Miami is assessed on an on-going basis to promote the continuous improvement of service to students.

Required Academic Advisor Training

All faculty and staff who engage in direct academic advisement of undergraduate students are required to complete academic advisor training to ensure that students receive high-quality advisement.

The Undergraduate Academic Advising Council (UAAC) has developed institutional-level academic advisor training modules. These modules cover the following topics:

• Miami University's Academic Advising Philosophy, System & Structure
• Miami's Curriculum & Advising Resources
• Miami University Academic Policies & Procedures
• Navigate and Advisor Reporting (online module and face-to-face training with academic divisions)
• Advising Conversations (face-to-face divisional session)
• Special Topics Related to Advising
• Advising Special Populations of Students

Most of the modules can be completed online in less than six hours. Face-to-face components of the training are offered within the academic divisions, and will be scheduled within those divisions. 

Advising-Related Committees

Undergraduate Academic Advising Council (UAAC)

Chaired by the Associate Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Education, the Undergraduate Academic Advising Council (UAAC) includes representatives from each academic division, Student Affairs, Enrollment Management & Student Success, and the student body.  UAAC responsibilities include:

• Promote the philosophy, policies, and procedures for academic advising at Miami University with input from various University stakeholders;
• Build support for and recognition of effective advising across the University through communication and awards for advising excellence;
• Generate and coordinate training and professional development opportunities for faculty and professional advisors with an emphasis on best practices;
• Develop and implement common tools for academic advising;
• Coordinate ongoing institutional assessment of academic advising to ensure continuous improvement.

Miami University Academic Support & Advising Association (MUASAA)

MUASAA is a university-wide association for academic advisors and support personnel at all levels, including faculty, professional staff advisors, academic support personnel, and other entities engaged in advising- or academic support-related duties. MUASAA increases collaboration among advisors across academic units, coordinates professional development initiatives, hosts an annual symposium, and offers community development and networking opportunities for advisors and academic support staff. Contact Jacob Drees or see the MUASAA website for more information.

Additional Opportunities for Academic Advisors 

MUASSA coordinates additional professional development opportunities for academic advisors, including: an annual symposium, brown bag discussions, workshops, and an advising community newsletter. Monthly academic advising community meetings coordinated by the Office for Undergraduate Education. All members of the academic advising community are invited to participate in these meetings. 

Academic divisions may also offer professional development opportunities to the advising teams within those divisions.