Advisors Forum supports the definition of academic advising developed by the 1993 Provost’s Task Force on Undergraduate Advisement:

Academic advising is an ongoing, active process involving student, advisor, and institution, the primary goal of which is to assist students in the development and accomplishment of meaningful educational plans that are compatible with their life goals.

To be successful, academic advising must incorporate three distinct types of advising:

• Developmental advising to enable the student to derive the greatest possible benefit from his or her university experience. Developmental advising aims to help the student solve whatever problems stand between the individual and academic success.
• Career Advising to provide information and advice about career options and opportunities.
• Curricular and programmatic advising to assist the student in selecting courses, planning programs of study, and meeting existing requirements.