Recognizing that effective academic advising is key to student success, the University of California Undergraduate Academic Advising Council (UCUAAC) aspires to advance student success at the University of California by developing and advocating for academic advising innovations in support of the UC mission. As advising leaders on our campuses, we strive for excellence in academic advising that aligns with globally recognized standards and practices.
Our mission is to advance the field of academic advising throughout the University of California.
UCUAAC promotes student success by advancing the field of academic advising throughout the University of California system. We provide vital opportunities for professional development for academic advisors; we collaborate systemwide to promote continuous improvement; we advocate for policies and procedures to promote the success of our students. Through the advancement of academic advising theory, research, and practice, we foster student development and respond to the unique needs of California’s diverse student population.
We share and advocate the core values established by the Global Community for Academic Advising (NACADA). These values apply to all who perform academic advising by any role, title, or position as educators at their respective UC institutions.
Caring
Academic advisors respond to and are accessible to others in ways that challenge, support, nurture, and teach. Advisors build relationships through empathetic listening and compassion for students, colleagues, and others.
Commitment
Academic advisors value and are dedicated to excellence in all dimensions of student success. Advisors are committed to students, colleagues, institutions, and the profession through assessment, scholarly inquiry, life-long learning, and professional development.
Empowerment
Academic advisors motivate, encourage, and support students and the greater educational community to recognize their potential, meet challenges, and respect individuality.
Inclusivity
Academic advisors respect, engage, and value a supportive culture for diverse populations. Advisors strive to create and support environments that consider the needs and perspectives of students, institutions, and colleagues through openness, acceptance, and equity.
Integrity
Academic advisors act intentionally in accordance with ethical and professional behavior developed through reflective practice. Advisors value honesty, transparency, and accountability to the student, institution, and the advising profession.
Professionalism
Academic advisors act in accordance with the values of the profession of advising for the greater good of students, colleagues, institutions, and higher education in general.
Respect
Academic advisors honor the inherent value of all students. Advisors build positive relationships by understanding and appreciating students’ views and cultures, maintaining a student-centered approach and mindset, and treating students with sensitivity and fairness.
Expand and communicate the concept, value, and importance of academic advising at the University of California.
Promote the role of effective academic advising in student success to decision makers at the college/school, university, and the UC systemwide levels.
Provide professional development opportunities that are responsive to the needs of UC academic advisors and academic advising administrators.
Foster inclusive practices within the UCUAAC that respect the principles of equity and the diversity of academic advising professionals and our students across the vast array of intersections of identity.
Develop and sustain effective UCUAAC, campus-wide, and college-wide academic advising leadership.
Support the development and implementation of assessment of all facets of academic advising on our campuses to encourage a data-driven approach to academic advising.
Explore the use of innovative technology tools and resources to support the work of academic advisors.
Advocate for the removal of unnecessary, institutional barriers to student success without compromising the integrity of the academic endeavor.
MEMBERSHIP
Voting Membership is restricted to a UC academic advising administrator whose primary responsibility is the supervision of an academic advising unit at the College, School, or campus level.
LEADERSHIP
The UC Undergraduate Academic Advising Council (UCUAAC) will be led by a Chair and a Vice Chair. The Vice Chair will be elected annually and will become Chair the following year, for a total commitment of two years. Elections will be held after the Spring meeting, with nominations being made in June and elections being held in July. All members eligible for membership are eligible to vote in the annual election. The incoming Chair and Vice Chair will assume responsibilities beginning August 1st.
The Chair and Vice Chair will be responsible for facilitating meetings, ensuring minutes are accurately taken and disseminated, representing UCUAAC in systemwide matters, and convening or assigning subcommittees as needed.
MEETINGS
Meetings will be held twice annually, once in the fall and again at the annual UC Academic Advising Conference in the Spring. Ad hoc meetings may also be called for as needed.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The annual UC Academic Advising Conference (UCAAC), in accordance with our strategic goals, is hosted on a rotating basis by each UC undergraduate campus according to a predetermined schedule with each campus hosting approximately once every nine years. The hosting campus is responsible for the format, leadership, funding structure, location, program, planning, assessment, and all other aspects of conference management and operation.