TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama is launching a new, three-year initiative to transform and expand academic advising across campus, representing UA's commitment to ensuring every student graduates with clear direction and prepared to begin their career.

This strategic investment focuses on strengthening the student advising infrastructure by investing directly in advisers, who serve as mentors, problem-solvers, advocates and guides through academic pathways. The University is freeing advisers for more meaningful one-on-one mentorship and proactive outreach by lowering adviser caseloads through a phased, college-by-college approach.

A University task force is driving improvements to the advising experience from a student's first day on campus through graduation. The initiative also partners with the Office of Undergraduate Education to coordinate advising across all colleges. Advisers will also receive enhanced training, support and resources aligned with best practices and shared student success goals.

"Across this campus, our advisers do extraordinary work helping students find their way, overcome challenges and reach their goals," Dr. Lesley Reid, UA provost, said. "This initiative helps them do their best work, providing the resources, manageable caseloads and institutional support to do so."

Beyond expanding the team of professional advisers, the University is exploring emerging strategies and latest best practices to help advise work more effectively and focus on high-touch student engagement.

Over the next three years, UA will hire 49 new professional advisers across its colleges, significantly expanding the advising workforce. Each college will follow a customized plan to reach nationally recognized adviser-to-student ratio benchmarks by the end of the 2028-2029 academic year.

"The University's commitment to expanding advising resources will create a more intentional and impactful academic experience for students," SGA President Samantha Simmons said. "It is important that UA continues to connect students to the support and information needed to thrive in the classroom."

The first wave of new advising hires will begin this fall, with each college following a timeline tailored to its student population and academic structure - a step toward UA's goal of becoming a national leader in student advising.