Core Competency Areas

Core competencies in the Conceptual component (concepts academic advisors must understand) include understanding of: 

• The history and role of academic advising in higher education. 
• NACADA's Core Values of Academic Advising. 
• Theory relevant to academic advising.
• Academic advising approaches and strategies.
• Expected outcomes of academic advising.
• How equitable and inclusive environments are created and maintained.

Core competencies in the Informational component (knowledge academic advisors must master) include knowledge of:

• Institution specific history, mission, vision, values, and culture. 
• Curriculum, degree programs, and other academic requirements and options. 
• Institution specific policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Legal guidelines of advising practice, including privacy regulations and confidentiality.
• The characteristics, needs, and experiences of major and emerging student populations. 
• Campus and community resources that support student success.
• Information technology applicable to relevant advising roles. 

Core Competencies in the Relational component (skills academic advisors must demonstrate) include the ability to:

• Articulate a personal philosophy of academic advising. 
• Create rapport and build academic advising relationships. 
• Communicate in an inclusive and respectful manner. 
• Plan and conduct successful advising interactions.
• Promote student understanding of the logic and purpose of the curriculum.
• Facilitate problem solving, decision-making, meaning-making, planning, and goal setting.   
• Engage in ongoing assessment and development of self and the advising practice.