Our Academic Advising Philosophy: Academic advising is an educational process that facilitates students’ understanding of the meaning and purpose of higher education. It fosters intellectual and personal success development toward academic success and lifelong learning (NACADA, 2004). Advisors in The Patton College of Education apply the theory of Appreciative Advising when working with students. This theory utilizes concepts to identify students’ personal and academic strengths to empower them to identify, optimize, and strive for excellence.