The following guiding principles are intended to establish the foundation of WSU academic advising. Our guiding principles share our philosophy and vision for our advising community.
1. Prioritize a Student-Centered Approach: We engage in meaningful, transparent conversations that focus on identifying and addressing the unique needs of each student. Recognizing that these interactions are key to student success, we aim to be responsive, empathetic, and proactive in all our communications and guidance.
2. Meet Students Where They Are: We view each student as an individual with unique experiences, identities, and challenges. By creating welcoming spaces that acknowledge the world’s impact on them, we help students feel seen, heard, and supported as they navigate their personal and academic journeys.
3. Empower Students to Make Informed Decisions: We encourage students to take ownership of their academic and personal choices. As advisors, we share our expertise to guide them in making well-informed decisions, promoting a sense of agency and confidence in their actions.
4. Help Students Build Strong, Supportive Networks: We actively assist students in creating connections that align with their educational and professional aspirations. By sharing our knowledge of campus resources, opportunities, and the wider university culture, we help students build a network of support that will aid in their long-term success.
5. Champion Belonging: We are committed to upholding the principles of participation and belonging in all aspects of advising. We continuously strive to deepen our understanding of these principles and adapt to the evolving needs of students and the broader community, ensuring every student’s voice is valued and respected.
6. Foster Collaboration and Personal Growth: We recognize the importance of collaboration with colleagues and personal well-being in providing effective support to students. By working together, prioritizing self-care, and engaging in lifelong learning, we ensure we can continue to innovate and offer the best support possible, both to one another and the students we serve.
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About
The above guiding principles were the result of the WSU Guiding Principles committee which formed in April 2024 for the purpose of creating a unified set of guiding principles for the advising community to serve as a foundation for the practice of academic advising and establish a shared philosophy and vision. The committee completed their work in March 2025 and ratified the principles in May 2025.
WSU Guiding Principles committee
Kim Clexton, co-chair, Athletics
Brittany Miller, co-chair, Honors College
Bianca Fielder, Mike Ilitch School of Business
Corinne Forys, College of Liberal Arts & Science
Jessica Greenwald, College of Fine, Performing & Communication Arts
Avanti Herczeg, College of Fine, Performing & Communication Arts
Andre Iadipaolo, School of Social Work
Geoffrey Jones, School of Social Work
Heather Laskos, Mike Ilitch School of Business
Jamie Lopez, University Advising Center/Colonel Gregory Gadson Office of Military and Veterans Academic Excellence
Tierra Merriweather, College of Nursing
Ryan Mitchell, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Namrata Murthy, College of Engineering
Lauren Orr, College of Liberal Arts & Science
Susan Reynolds, University Advising Center
Michael Williams, College of Engineering