The Academic Advisor Career Ladder at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is a structured, four-tier advancement framework designed to recognize, reward, and promote excellence in undergraduate academic advising. Developed by the Academic Advisor Career Ladder Work Group, the career ladder establishes clear expectations, transparent criteria, and meaningful pathways for professional growth.
Grounded in the National Academic Advising Associaton (NACADA) Core Competencies, the career ladder affirms the essential role academic advisors play in student success, retention, and degree completion. Advancement is earned through demonstrated expertise, sustained contribution, and documented professional development, as reflected in an advising portfolio.
Structure
The Academic Advisor Career Ladder consists of four tiers:
- Tier 1: Academic Advisor 1
- Tier 2: Academic Advisor 2
- Tier 3: Academic Advisor 3
- Tier 4: Senior Advisor
Each tier includes clearly defined expectations related to advising practice, institutional engagement, professional development, and service. All eligible advisors who meet or exceed the criteria are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility & Advancement Criteria
The career ladder is open to full-time professional undergraduate academic advisors employed by ETSU, including advisors located within academic colleges and the University Advisement Center (UAC).
To apply for advancement, advisors must:
- Demonstrate achievement of tier-specific criteria
- Secure approval from their supervisor and dean (or dean designee) prior to application
- Meet the required years of service and education for the desired tier
Advancement criteria include both qualitative and quantitative components:
- Qualitative criteria are aligned with the NACADA Core Competency Areas (Conceptual, Informational, and Relational)
- Quantitative criteria include advising best practices, retention initiatives, professional development and training, and service to the University and College/Department
Detailed tier-by-tier criteria are available in the Career Ladder Manual.
Application Process
Advancement occurs through a portfolio-based application process:
Step 1
Initial Review and Approval
Eligible advisors meet with their supervisor to:
-
- Review the Career Ladder Checklist
- Confirm eligibility and readiness
- Identify college - or department - specific service requirements
The completed checklist must be signed by the advisor, supervisor, and dean (or dean designee) before an application may proceed.
Step 2
Portfolio Preparation
Approved advisors prepare an advising portfolio that includes:
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- A narrative statement aligned with career ladder criteria
- Resume or CV
- Letters of recommendation
- Documentation and evidence of advising practice, service, and professional development
Portfolio development workshops and support are provided through the Office of the Executive Director of Academic Advisment.
Step 3
Submission
Completed portfolios are submitted through D2L by the published deadline. All materials and Submission Instructions are provided to approved applicants through D2L.
Review & Decision Process
Review committees are convened annually to evaluate applications using a Standardized Portfolio Assessment Rubric and include representation from academic advisement leadership across campus. Recommendations for advancement are made to the Colleges. Approved advancements take effect at the beginning of the next fiscal year (July 1).
Timeline
Applications are reviewd annually. Specific deadlines are published each year.
Inaugural Cycle
- Advisor approval and checklist completion: Fall 2025
- Portfolio development: Fall 2025
- Portfolio submission deadline: January 2026
- Committee review: January - February 2026
- Final recommendations and notifications: March 2026
Resources
The following resources are available to support advisors and supervisors throughout the process:
-
Advisors
- Career Ladder Manual
- Advisor Process Guide
- Portfolio Assessment Rubric
- D2L Submission Guide
- Portfolio Development Workshops
-
Supervisors
Contact
For questions about eligibility, timelines, or the application process, please contact the Office of the Executive Director of Academic Advisement at advisement@etsu.edu.
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