Academic Advising Framework
Purpose
The purpose of this Advising Framework is to align the Cal Poly advising community and advising leadership around key components that guide advisor practice and promote belonging and holistic support, while respecting the autonomy and unique contributions of each advising unit. This framework aims to strengthen the advising community and contribute to the overall mission of the institution.
Definition
Cal Poly Academic Advising empowers undergraduate students to make informed decisions about their educational and personal goals. Academic advisors provide holistic support, helping students navigate their academic journeys, connect with resources, and develop skills for success. Through intentional and inclusive practices, advisors foster a supportive environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. They also offer valuable insights to university leadership, ensuring policies and resources align with student needs.
Vision
Cal Poly Academic Advising aims to be a model of excellence and innovation, encompassing proactive, collaborative advising that fosters transformative change within the university and with undergraduate students.
Mission
Cal Poly Academic Advising prepares undergraduate students to be self-directed learners and confident decision-makers, providing them with the tools to navigate their education and future successfully.
Guiding Principles
To best support student success, Cal Poly academic advising and advising leadership will uphold the following guiding principles:
Advocate for advisor and student needs to advance positive change, promote engagement and retention, identify and address barriers, and foster a culture of care and support.
Collaborate and communicate among the advising community and campus partners to share best practices, exchange purposeful feedback, and build a strong network of connections and resources.
Cultivate an advising culture that strives for excellence through ongoing advisor development, program assessment and recognition.
Enhance advising practices through the use of technology and data, making informed decisions that benefit students and compel university leadership to implement changes that advance equity
Values
The NACADA Statement of Core Values reflects the many cultural and educational contexts in which academic advising is practiced globally. A diverse, globally represented task force in conjunction with the input of NACADA members contributed to the creation of the statement. By virtue of this process, this document represents the Core Values of the academic advising profession as a whole. These values apply to all who perform academic advising by any role, title, or position as educators at their institutions.
See NACADA PDF of values (PDF)
Structure of Cal Poly Academic Advising
CASS Council includes Assistant Vice Provost, University Advising (chair); Associate Provost, Student Success; Associate Deans who supervise college advising; Advising Leads & Directors; Dean of Students & EOP Director; Registrar and Associate Registrar. While CASS Council strives for representation across the campus community the below organizational structure represents Advising in Academic Affairs.
