The National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) recommends the following goals for academic advising:

development of suitable educational plans;

clarification of career and life goals;

selection of appropriate courses and other educational experiences;

interpretation of institutional requirements;

enhancement of student awareness about educational resources available (e.g., internships, study abroad, honors, and learning assistance programs);

evaluation of student progress toward established goals;

development of decision making skills;

reinforcement of student self direction

referral to and use of institutional and community support services; and

collection and distribution of data regarding student needs, preferences, and performance for use in making institutional decisions and policy.