Academic advising plays a pivotal role in the landscape of community colleges, representing the second most important function within these institutions. When executed with precision and effectiveness, academic advising ensures that the primary mission of the college—instruction—achieves its ultimate goal: guiding students toward successful navigation of their educational pathways and completion of their programs.

The primary aim of academic advising is to assist students in selecting a program of study that aligns with their personal, academic, and vocational aspirations. This process is not merely a formality; instead, it is an integral aspect of the educational experience, significantly influencing students’ trajectories. In fact, academic advising is a routine action, occurring at least once each term for every student enrolled in the college, making it one of the most frequently engaged student support functions.

Despite the widespread recognition of the significance of academic advising, there exists a lack of consensus regarding its nature and the individuals best suited to carry out this essential role. In this seminal work on academic advising, the authors explore these complexities through three comprehensive chapters that address the primary challenges and issues inherent in the academic advising process.

Moreover, this work showcases four of the most innovative and successful academic advising programs from around the nation. These exemplary models illuminate effective practices and strategies that can be adopted by community colleges to enhance their advising services.

In conclusion, this comprehensive resource provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for enhancing academic advising in community colleges. By understanding the importance of academic advising and adopting successful practices, institutions can better support their students in achieving their educational and career goals.