Academic Counselors Association

An Introduction to the Advising Community at UT

Agenda

IntroductionsACA HistoryAdvising Community & Student IssuesNACADAACA

◦Benefits◦Meetings◦Resources & Training◦Involvement◦Membership

Questions

Introductions

Who’s here today?◦ACA Officers (past & present)◦Advisory Council◦R.O.A.D. Committee Members◦New Members

Our History

The Academic Counselors Association (ACA) was established in 1983 to provide a forum for the exchange of information, ideas, and resources among professional staff members of the academic counseling community at The University of Texas at Austin.

Twenty founding members formed the initial organization (called the Counselors and Advisors Association)

that has grown to include over two hundred professional members.

Learn More About Us Online

www.utexas.edu/staff/aca/

Vision StatementBylawsMembershipCalendarNewsResources (meeting minutes, handouts)Contact Information

Officer Positions

PresidentVice President/Program ChairTreasurerSecretaryHistorianCommunications CoordinatorPresident Elect

*position descriptions are located in the bylaws

Standing Committees

Advisory CouncilNominationsProfessional Development DayHoliday PartyAdvising Event/EXPOAwards and RecognitionFUNdraisingROADMentor Program

*committee descriptions are located in the bylaws

The Advising Community

representing every undergraduate college and school

membership reaches across all areas of campusprofessionals from a variety of student affairs

areas actively participate in ACAadvisors, counselors and other professional staff

who work with students provide a variety of vital services

serve as individualized, personal links between students, faculty and administrators

Student Issues

Advisors assist students with:◦Registration◦Major & minor exploration◦Degree requirements◦Special academic programs◦Major change processes◦Academic difficulty◦Time management◦Study skills◦Career exploration & planning◦Policy interpretation◦Referral to campus resources

ACA Monthly Meetings

monthly meetings to inform members about the wide variety of campus resources available

meeting time is devoted to ACA business but the primary focus of each meeting typically includes a specific program, presentation or discussion that addresses issues vital to our community

ACA Monthly Meetings

past programs have included discussions with top campus administrators, new programs or initiatives on campus and changes to existing programs and services

meetings generally occur on Wednesday mornings and include a light breakfast

maximize the valuable networking time and arrive early

The NATIONAL ACADEMIC ADVISING ASSOCIATION (NACADA), promotes and supports quality academic advising in

institutions of higher education to enhance the educational development of

students.

evolved from the first National Conference on Academic Advising in 1977

has nearly 10,000 members representing all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada and several other international countries

members represent higher education institutions across the spectrum of Carnegie classifications

include professional advisors/counselors, faculty, administrators and students

provides a forum for discussion, debate, and the exchange of ideas pertaining to academic advising

numerous activities and publicationswebinars (more about this later!)serves as an advocate for effective

academic advising by providing a Consultants Bureau, an Awards Program, and funding for Research related to academic advising

ACA is an allied member of NACADAmembership information as well as many

valuable resources may be found at their website: http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/

the Clearinghouse link provides a wealth of information on critical advising issues

can be found through the Resources tab on the NACADA homepage

hosts national & regional conferencesmany UT advisors attend each year,

funded by the universityconsidered professional developmentUT considered a leader in advising

nationallyACA leaders involved on a national level

with NACADA as officers, board members and chairing committees

encourage you to visit with your supervisor regarding your professional development plans now

consider attending NACADANACADA National held in the fall semestermany ACA members coordinate sharing

rooms, transportation, etc.

Advisor Training & Development

ACA pays for NACADA webinars3-5 each yearACA membership votes on topics to select

from webinar series

ACA Benefits

networking opportunities to connect with colleagues and campus leaders in advising

membership meetings to share relevant advising information & presentations

R.O.A.D. – Resources for Ongoing Advisor Development

ACA sponsored NACADA Webinars leadership opportunities through committee

involvement & ACA administration member list serve to facilitate communication

Advisory Council

cross-section of the ACA general membershipmembers generally serve a 2-year termcharge is to provide advice and feedback to

the ACA Executive Committee and the ACA general membership

reviews trends in the academic advising profession and their impact on the UT advising

recommends official nominees for the NACADA Advising Awards based on nominations from the general ACA membership

Professional Development Day

one-day, on-campus conference

typically held in the fall semester

choose from among 16 presentations on a variety of topics

interact with UT colleagues as well as other advising professionals from neighboring colleges & universities

conference registration fee to cover expenses

Advising EXPO

one-day, outdoor advising information fair

coming soon this fall semester

opportunity to promote programs, services & other academic opportunities

great way to meet other advisors & to learn about other programs/services

Advisor Training & Development

A wide selection of brown bag workshops, covering a variety of areas pertinent to all

levels of advising experience.

ACA List Serve

quick, easy way to communicate with each other across campus

promote programs, services, deadlines, open classes, information sessions, etc.

ask questions, have discussions with colleagues

utaca@utlists.utexas.edu

ACA is Professional Development

UT administration supports ACA both financially & philosophically

membership & participation is key to success as an advising professional

meetings & involvement should be considered part of advising job functions

How can you get involved?

join ACAattend monthly meetings & network with colleagues

volunteer to work on a committee

attend ROAD & NACADA webinars

Membership to ACA

individuals may join at any time during the year

dues are minimal (currently $15) and may be paid to the Treasurer by personal check

an invoice may be sent to the department if dues are to be paid with institutional funds; check with your supervisor

Related Organizations

Association of Professionals in Student Affairs (APSA)

Graduate Coordinator Network (GCN)

Higher Education Administration Student Professional Association (HEASPA)

Questions