SUBJECT:

Campuswide Academic Advisors Training Program (AATCP)

Having knowledgeable academic advisors at the college and department level is essential in assisting students to meet their educational and career goals, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The six college Deans of Academic Advising, in collaboration with representatives from various campus units, including academic departments, Admissions and Enrollment Services, the Academic Senate, Staff Education and Development, and Counseling and Psychological Services have developed a campus-wide training program that will expand mentoring opportunities, encourage career advancement, and offer the necessary tools and resources to enhance delivery of quality academic advising services at UC San Diego.

The launch of a new comprehensive Academic Advisors Training Certificate Program (AATCP) at UC San Diego will provide staff advisors with ongoing training and professional development opportunities. Specifically, the program objectives are to:

* identify and adopt nationally recognized core advising best practices.

* establish partnerships and increase dialogue among faculty undergraduate advisors, college, and department advising professionals to ensure uniformity in implementing University academic policies and procedures.

* attract career staff and students by offering mentoring opportunities to those who may have an interest in pursuing academic advising as a profession.

* increase the available pool of trained academic advisors for succession planning.

Beginning Winter Quarter 2009, a number of workshops will be offered. These will be facilitated by campus Subject Matter Experts who, in consultation with Staff Education and Development, will design a series of in-class and online training modules to expand the skill level and knowledge base of academic advisors. In addition, quarterly advising forums will be held on a variety of topics relevant to current higher education academic issues and concerns.

Academic Affairs and the Council of Provosts are pleased to announce this new campus-wide staff training initiative and to acknowledge the critical role that academic advisors play in promoting student success, persistence, and retention at UC San Diego. Questions may be directed to Catherine Joseph, Dean of Academic Advising, Warren College (cjoseph@ucsd.edu).

Paul W. Drake Senior Vice Chancellor - Academic Affairs Steven Adler Provost Warren College Chair, Council of Provosts