About

Western Michigan University is dedicated to ensuring that students receive the knowledge and guidance they need to successfully navigate their educational experiences. To better evaluate our current advising practices and develop recommendations to improve them, WMU has partnered with the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) and the John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Undergraduate Education (Gardner Institute) to participate in Excellence in Academic Advising (EAA), a cohort-based, guided self-study  that addresses gaps in academic advising processes, practices, and culture.

EAA is a three-year commitment to institutional introspection, evaluation, and change. It provides a systematic and intentional approach to increasing the effectiveness of academic advising by engaging the institution in a collaborative effort to change processes, practices, and campus culture to better align with institutional and advising goals. This partnership leverages the expertise of two nationally recognized professional organizations (NACADA and the Gardner Institute) to guide and facilitate educational and organizational changes built upon a foundation of evidence-based decision making, planning and implementation.

In 2019, Western Michigan University was selected as one of twelve institutions to participate in the Urban Ecosystems Cohort. Funded by the Kresge Foundation, this second cohort of EAA intentionally focuses on achievement gaps due to policies, practices, and processes that have impacted the outcomes of traditionally marginalized students (e.g., racially minoritized students, first generation college students, Pell-eligible students). 

Using the nine Conditions of Excellence below, this initiative established the standards for evaluating and improving academic advising that WMU aspires to achieve.