At the University of Michigan, academic advising and coaching are guided by a shared framework that ensures consistent, student-centered support across all schools and programs. We align principles with practice to create an evidence-informed approach that fosters both academic success and personal growth.
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Academic advising and coaching advances the University’s educational mission by providing proactive, holistic support to help students achieve their academic and personal goals in a nurturing environment that promotes growth and a sense of belonging in their program and at U-M overall.
Promote students’ success inside and outside of the classroom by engaging in role-appropriate discussions about their college experiences broadly, not just academics.
Balance challenge and support to create the ideal conditions to promote students’ growth.
Empower students to advocate for themselves and take agency over their college experience by providing them with the tools and resources needed for informed decision-making.
Utilize a strengths-based approach to validate students’ experiences and goals, and affirm that they are capable of succeeding at U-M.
Support students’ resilience and well-being by fostering a caring approach that encourages vulnerability and connection through sharing lived experiences. By openly discussing challenges, help students navigate academic, emotional, and personal difficulties, building stronger relationships and promoting their growth.
Create a welcoming environment where all students’ identities are respected and experiences are validated.
Actively monitor students’ progress and provide support early and often, in a role-appropriate manner. Anticipate students’ needs, help students plan ahead, and answer questions they may not know to ask.
Make informed decisions guided by unit-level and institutional data as well as relevant research.
Act with integrity and in accordance with ethical and professional standards such as the CAS Standards on Academic Advising and NACADA Core Values.
Engage with other members of the academic advising/coaching community (administrative leadership, faculty, staff, and peer advisors) to exchange ideas, advocate for students, and coordinate student support.
Note: These competencies are informed by NACADA’s Academic Advising Core Competencies Model.
Academic advising and coaching services at the University of Michigan aim to promote the following student learning outcomes related to both academic learning and personal growth:
