"Good advising may be
the single most underestimated characteristic of a successful college experience."
– R.J. Light
Professional Associations for Advisors
One of the best ways to grow your professional network, increase your knowledge, and stay informed of developments in the field is to join a professional association. This page includes information on some of the professional associations that academic advising professionals commonly engage with.
NACADA: THe Global Community for Academic Advising is the leading association globally for the advancement of student success through excellence in academic advising in higher education. NACADA promotes and supports quality academic advising in institutions of higher education to enhance the educational development of students.
NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education is the professional home for the field of student affairs. Together, we are dedicated to fulfilling the promise of higher education through our guiding principles of Integrity, Innovation, Inclusion, and Inquiry. We place students at the center of our work, serving the field through exceptional professional development, research to take on our biggest challenges, advocacy for inclusive and equitable practices and communities, and nurturing networks and pipelines to mentor, rejuvenate, and support.
NAAHP: The National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions serves as a resource for the professional development of health professions advisors. It is a representative voice with health professions schools and their professional associations, undergraduate institutions, and other health professions organizations. The Association promotes high standards for health professions advising at universities and colleges. It assists advisors in fostering the intellectual, personal, and humanistic development of students as they prepare for careers in health professions
ACPA: The American College Personnel Association is the leading comprehensive student affairs association that advances student affairs and engages students for a lifetime of learning and discovery.
HECMA: The Higher Education Case Managers Association provides case managers working in post-secondary institutions with a professional identity and the resources to advance recommended practices, knowledge and research in order to promote and enhance the well-being of campus communities. HECMA also welcomes higher education professionals with an interest in case management, campus threat assessment, behavior intervention teams, and/or CARE systems.