aca new member orientation 2012
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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
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