Academic Advising Council

Appointed by the Provost

Mission

The purpose of Academic Advising Council (AAC) and the University of Arkansas is to provide a space for primary-role advisors and faculty members to share ideas and best practices, increase institutional knowledge, inform others of the work advisors conduct on campus, advocate for and solicit resources necessary for completing stated goals and challenge each other to improve our practices in an inclusive, understanding, and constructive environment. The university is committed to developing each student to his or her fullest potential. The AAC is committed to helping academic and other campus advisors develop knowledge, skills, and abilities that will assist them in their professional lives. Additionally, the AAC aims to facilitate an ongoing dialogue between our faculty members who design and implement our undergraduate curriculum and the academic advisors that communicate these requirements to students in a meaningful way.

Definitions

Academic advising is an active, ongoing exchange between the advisers and students, grounded in teaching and learning. Advising is based on students gaining accurate and appropriate information and direction to help make their educational experience relevant, coherent and meaningful. It is a process that assists students in connecting with the University of Arkansas, making thoughtful decisions related to their academic experiences and maximizing their educational and career opportunities. 

The AAC seeks to inform and empower three distinct and vital groups of individuals on this campus:

Primary-Role Academic Advisors are individuals (typically full-time staff members, but not always) whose primary function is to provide academic advising services to undergraduate students. 

Faculty Advisors are faculty members who serve as the primary advisor for a cohort of advisees in addition to larger teaching and/or research assignments. 

Faculty Mentors are faculty members who provide traditional mentorship and guidance to undergraduate students as needed. Nearly all faculty members on this campus engage in this type of mentorship to some degree.

AAC Executive Committee

The AAC Executive Committee is a formal administrative committee that advises the provost and the deans regarding student advising and its members are comprised of the advising director from each college. To assist with clear communication, the council includes the following offices as ex officio members: The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, the Office of the Registrar, The Honors College, and the Office of Student Success. Campus stakeholders not represented via permanent membership on the Executive committee will be included as meeting guests throughout the academic year. These guests should include (but are not limited to): Admissions, Career Development Center, Orientation, Scholarships and Financial Aid, Associated Student Government, Treasurer, Premedical Program, Bookstore and UREC. 

Each advising director is responsible for serving as a liaison between the AAC Executive Committee and his/her entire college (including advisors, faculty members, and administration).

Lucas Simmons, Chair	Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences Staff	Standing
Sheri Lynn Brown	Fay Jones School of Architecture Staff	Standing
Shane Barker	J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Staff	Standing
Sarah Judy	Sam M. Walton College of Business Staff	Standing
Elizabeth McKinley	College of Education and Health Professions Staff	Standing
Katie Pope	College of Engineering Staff	Standing
Megan Whobrey	Office of Student-Athlete Development	Ex Officio
Gary Gunderman	University Registrar	Ex Officio
Louise Hancox	Honors College Representative	Ex Officio
Trevor Francis	Office of Student Success	Ex Officio
Danielle Dunn	Office of Student Success	Ex Officio