Academic Advisor Career Ladder

Advisors

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. 

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: 

    • 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:

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.