Academic Advising Network (AAN)

The Academic Advising Network (AAN) Board advocates for, communicates with, and empowers academic advisors and student services professionals across campus. The board facilitates opportunities that foster professional growth, personal development, and community building that promotes an engaged and active advising community on campus.

We, as the AAN Board, value, encourage, and use the following as a framework in supporting the advising community on campus:

• Collaboration - promote efficient and effective working relationships with campus partners
• Diversity - provide support and initiatives that are inclusive of multiple identities and perspectives

The AAN Board is committed to providing support and initiatives that are inclusive of multiple identities and perspectives.

The AAN Board respects the diversity of advising and student services professionals across the vast array of intersections of identity, which includes but is not limited to age, race, nationality, socioeconomic status, faith, religion, ethnicity, ability/disability, gender identity, gender expression, and/or sexual orientation.

The AAN Board strives to offer programs and initiatives that are inclusive to these diverse identities and experiences by fostering a welcoming environment for our community members. It is important all participants feel respected as unique individuals and for their contributions to the university. We take responsibility for recognizing, confronting, and addressing bias and discrimination and diligently working for positive change in support of equity and diversity.

This statement includes adapted language from: UW Madison, NACADA, and CEHD.

• Professionalism - advocate for the value the advising profession brings to the campus community
• Fellowship - foster community through the development of connections, relationships, and networks
• Innovation - encourage creative thinking, discovery, and intentionality to push advising boundaries
• Accessibility - consider the needs of individuals in order to support engagement within the advising community

AAN was formed in 1985 when a group of advisors convened with a desire to implement programming, build community, and share best practices among colleagues on campus. As a result of this small group of forward-thinking professionals, students reap the benefits of improved communication among advisors, collaboration of resources, and a measure of efficiency in the University system. The AAN Board continues to work diligently to provide accessible and innovative opportunities for the advising community throughout the academic year.

The AAN Board is committed to providing support and initiatives that are inclusive of multiple identities and perspectives.

The AAN Board respects the diversity of advising and student services professionals across the vast array of intersections of identity, which includes but is not limited to age, race, nationality, socioeconomic status, faith, religion, ethnicity, ability/disability, gender identity, gender expression, and/or sexual orientation.

The AAN Board strives to offer programs and initiatives that are inclusive to these diverse identities and experiences by fostering a welcoming environment for our community members. It is important all participants feel respected as unique individuals and for their contributions to the university. We take responsibility for recognizing, confronting, and addressing bias and discrimination and diligently working for positive change in support of equity and diversity.

This statement includes adapted language from: UW Madison, NACADA, and CEHD.

By-Laws of the Academic Advising Network at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Last updated: April 2026

1. Board Members

   1. Membership:  Membership shall include representation from across campus, including various colleges and administrative units, and shall not exceed twenty-five (25) members. A regular call for board nominations shall occur annually, with the timeline determined by the Board. Nominations can continue throughout the year as needed, with the timeline determined by the Board. There shall be no limitation on total years of service, nor any required hiatus between terms, provided that the maximum membership of twenty-five (25) is not exceeded and that qualified new applicants are not excluded as a result. Co-chairs shall be selected from among the existing Board members and shall alternate annually.
   2. Application: Application materials shall include a statement of intent and responses to Board-approved questions. A resume is not required. Applicants may indicate their interest in leadership and/or committee positions as part of the application. The Board shall review all applications and shall vote on the new members.
   3. Term: 2 years required. Members shall serve according to a structured progression model. Year One: A member is eligible to serve as a regular Board member or in a Co-chair role. Year Two: A member is eligible to serve in a Co-chair role or a Director role. Flexibility is permitted to allow members to fill Co-Chair or Director roles outside of the seniority requirements as needed, as determined by the board. Flexibility is permitted to allow a director to continue serving in the director role beyond the standard progression when no immediate replacement is available, as determined by the Board.
2. Roles & Responsibilities
   1. Directors:
      1. Nomination: Three Directors per academic year to serve a one-year term (one previous year of membership on board required). Call for nomination once per year; timeline as determined by the board. Selection is based on interest; a vote by the board may be required if there are more than three candidates.
      2. Role/Responsibilities: Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the board, including oversight of organizational communication and documentation, meeting logistics, the annual retreat, board committees, campus liaison responsibilities, and committee representation. Coordinate and lead AAN Board Committees in planning and executing events and activities. Reference and apply the AAN Board Administration & Logistics Training Guide as needed. Recruit board members for leadership positions and support their development. Directors shall meet with OUE to review the board’s budget and are responsible for managing funds, including allocating and distributing resources across committees. Directors will work closely with committee co-chairs to mentor and guide them in preparation for the co-chair taking over the director role in the following year. 
      3. Directors Vacancy: In the event that a member serving in a Director role is unable to complete their term or vacates the position, the Board may appoint another existing member to assume the Director responsibilities on an interim or permanent basis, as determined by the Board, in order to ensure continuity of operations.
   2. Co-chairs
      1. Nomination: Three co-chairs per academic year to serve a one-year term. Call for nomination once per year; timeline as determined by the board. Selection is based on interest; a vote by the board may be required if there are more than three candidates. If possible, the co-chair should remain on the board for an additional year after their term to serve in a Director position. 
      2. Role/Responsibilities: Co-coordinate and co-lead AAN Board Committees in planning and executing events and activities. Ensure committees are meeting stated goals and objectives. Reference and apply the AAN Board Administration & Logistics Training Guide as needed. Assist the Directors to recruit board members for leadership positions and support their development. Take on additional responsibilities as needed in the absence or direction of the Director to ensure the success of the committee. 
      3. Co-chair Vacancy: In the event that a member serving in a Co-chairs role is unable to complete their term or vacates the position, the Board may appoint another existing member to assume the Co-chair responsibilities on an interim or permanent basis, as determined by the Board, in order to ensure continuity of operations.
   3. Coordinators and AAN Representatives:
      1. Role/Responsibilities:
         1. Equity & Inclusion Coordinator: Advocates for inclusive practices and contributes to the culture of equity. Ex: ask questions and make suggestions in the planning, advertising, and implementation of events/programs.
         2. AAN Advising Awards Coordinator: Responsible for advertising and selecting annual campus student services professional awards. Coordinate the application and selection process. Announce AAN Award winners at the Tate Conference. Communication and collaboration with AAN, OUE, and other university committees will be required.
         3. AAN Records Coordinator: Managing records & documents board meeting minutes within a shared AAN Board Google Drive file. Assist with updating the AAN Website and AAN Bylaws. Other records and administrative support duties may also be assigned by the Board.
         4. AAN Communications Coordinator: Expand and manage communications with AAN members. Assist the AAN Engagement Committee with Recruitment.
         5. AAN Representatives: Council on Undergraduate Education, Tate Award Selection Committee, Advisor Training Group, and Advising Leaders Collaborative.
      2. Coordinators and Representatives Vacancy: In the event that a member serving in a coordinator and representative role is unable to complete their term or vacates the position, the Board may appoint another existing member to assume the responsibilities on an interim or permanent basis, as determined by the Board, in order to ensure continuity of operations.
   4. All Board Members: Shall attend monthly AAN meetings, with a minimum attendance of 6 -7 meetings per year, and shall attend the majority of AAN events. Board Members shall actively promote and advertise AAN, particularly at events with significant participation from advisor and student service professionals. When a Board Member is unable to attend an event, they shall encourage alternative representation from their unit. Board Members are highly encouraged to serve in a leadership role for at least one (1) year during their tenure with AAN, including but not limited to external representative roles, coordinator, co-chair, Director. Board Members may also be called upon by the Awards Committee to review award nomination essays, as needed. Failure to meet participation and attendance expectations may result in review by the Board and may lead to removal from membership.
3. Committees
   1. All board members are required to participate in at least one of the committees listed below and meet monthly as needed. Committee interest can be self-selected.
   2. Tate Committee Members
      1. Role/Responsibilities:  Members of this committee are responsible for planning the Tate Conference, including securing a venue and caterer, communicating information to the University community (save the date, call for nomination, registration), selection of session presenters, event schedule, and day-of coordination. Communication and collaboration with AAN, OUE, and other university committees will be required.
   3. Advisor Engagement Committee Members 
      1. Role/Responsibilities: Members of this committee are responsible for planning and advertising programming related to advisor engagement on campus. Committee is responsible for identifying annual programming to benefit the University advising community. Committee should take suggestions from the community into consideration as they plan events. Communication and collaboration with AAN, OUE, and other university committees is required.
   4. Advising Community of Practice Committee Members
      1. Role/Responsibilities: Members of this committee are responsible for identifying best practices, frameworks, ideas, and resources to share knowledge with the larger community. Committee is dedicated to sharing expertise, solving work-related problems, and enhancing advising practices through regular interaction and mutual learning.
   5. Additional specializations and committee development (as needed)
      1. Need for specialization areas in existing committees is determined based on board and committee goals each academic year.
      2. Formation of new committees is determined based on board goals and identified community needs each academic year. New committees can be established as temporary or ongoing. 
4. Logistics
   1. Board meetings
      1. Board meetings are held monthly at various locations on campus or virtually ensuring equal opportunity and access to members of the board.
      2. Board meeting times will be set by the board after the yearly board is selected. Any change in this time after the new board year would be subject to a vote from the board as needed. 
      3. Directors set an agenda which may include speakers from campus in addition to general administrative needs for the board every month to include reports from campus committees, AAN committees, and unit updates as needed.
      4. The Records Coordinator will record & document board meeting minutes within the shared AAN Board Google Drive file.
   2. Communications to campus from board
      1. The Communications Coordinator will oversee and manage communications with both AAN members and the broader community. 
         1. In this capacity the Communications Coordinator will assist the Advisor Engagement Committee with AAN recruitment. 
      2. Communication from the board to campus should follow a standard formatting outline for consistency.
      3. See AAN Board Google Drive for current template examples.
   3. Funding & Budget Logistics
      1. The Office of Undergraduate Education supports and funds the work of the AAN.
      2. Collaborate with the Office of Undergraduate Education liaison to understand annual AAN budget constraints, spending, and reporting processes.
   4. Reporting & Collaboration Logistics
      1. The Office of Undergraduate Education is a primary partner and collaborator of the AAN.
      2. The Directors report to the Office of Undergraduate Education liaison for items such as: significant board updates, advisory initiatives, budgetary considerations, or professional development opportunities.
      3. AAN board and committee collaboration with external committees for shared efforts and events with a financial burden requires that the external committee contribute financially.
5. By-laws
   1. Changes to the by-laws can be suggested by any board member and proposed by the current AAN co-chairs. All board members can vote to approve or decline the changes. A 2/3rds majority vote is needed to pass the proposed changes.

AAN Board Directors

• Megan Carmès ([email protected]), Director Advising Community of Practice
• Danielle Schnettler ([email protected]), Director Advisor Engagement
• Jackie Macbeth ([email protected]), Director Tate Conference Planning

AAN Board Members

• Emily Blunck ([email protected])
• Dametrius Coleman, [email protected]
• Reggie Gandy ([email protected])
• Fadumo Haji-Aweis ([email protected]), Chair Advising Community of Practice
• Sarah Hilger ([email protected]), Chair Advisor Engagement
• Adalia Samuel ([email protected])
• Abby Schmidt ([email protected])
• Danielle Schnettler ([email protected])
• Teng Xu ([email protected])
• Jacob Ziegler ([email protected])

If you’re interested in being a member of the AAN Board, a call for new board members will be emailed following the Tate Conference in March. If you have specific questions at any time, please contact a current board member.

1. Log into your University of Minnesota Google Email account and enter into the Google Groups App.
2. From the Groups Home screen, type in Academic Advising Network in the search field.
3. Click the Academic Advising Network name and select Join This Group.
4. You are now a member of the Academic Advising Network group.

Send an email to Google Group name: [email protected]. This is the list address. Please do not send a command (such as “please add me to this listserv”) to this address as it will be distributed to all who have subscribed.

Best practices for use:

• New course and program announcements
• Courses and resources that help in the advising process (e.g., LASK, ISSS, MELP information)
• Updates on programs relevant to all students
• Job openings
• Relevant professional development opportunities

Please do not use the AAN listserv for the following:

• Advertising open seats in courses
• Advertising existing courses that have not changed
• Promoting personal events or philosophies
• Any other information not related to advising

1. Log into your University of Minnesota Google Email account and enter into the Google Groups App.
2. Click My Groups > Academic Advising Network
3. In the upper-right corner, click My Settings > Leave this group

Outstanding new advising professional

0-4 years in advising; 0-4 years at the UMTC

Award: $500

Criteria:

• Brings a fresh and innovative perspective to develop creative solutions to challenges facing one’s advisees, unit, and/or advising community.
• Collaborates with colleagues to move initiatives forward and effect positive change across the University.
• Advocates for the advancement of a welcoming, inclusive, and just advising environment and acts to create or maintain it.

Outstanding mid-range advising professional

At least 5 years in advising and at least 1 year at UMTC

Award: $500

Criteria: 

• Committed to student success by establishing advising practices that are culturally relevant, adaptive to individual student identities, and effective at addressing systemic barriers.
• Recognizes and addresses opportunities to more effectively support students by anticipating needs and proactively collaborating with colleagues to improve systems and procedures.
• Seeks and applies new knowledge and builds networks and relationships across campus to enhance understanding and cooperation on campus.

An advisor who leverages institutional knowledge to mentor others and advocate for transformative change within the advising community [one’s own unit, or across campus]

Approximately 10 years at UMTC

Award: $500

Criteria:

• Develops a high level of understanding of University policies, unit procedures, privacy regulations, curricular requirements, and referrals to campus services and helps others understand these policies.
• Leverages historical and institutional knowledge to mentor others in the advising community.
• Connects new and mid-level advisors to resources and support across campus to benefit their career development and growth.
• Is a leader in the advising community and pushes to remove barriers, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment.

An advisor who acts to develop and maintain a strong, inclusive advising community [one’s own unit, or across campus]

Award: $500

Criteria:

• Builds community and promotes connection amongst others around them by recognizing the unique needs of their colleagues.
• Seeks opportunities to provide strategic support and enhance morale.
• Celebrates the diverse strengths and identities within the advising community, taking steps toward building and maintaining an inclusive workplace.

An advisor who models inclusivity and advocacy

Award: $500

Criteria:

• Advocates for inclusivity, equity, and justice and takes action to disrupt dominant narratives and structural oppression with advisees, within units, and/or within the advising community.
• Uses their platform to amplify the contributions and voices of students and colleagues who enact change in the university community.
• Prompts wider conversations that invite deeper understanding on issues of power and privilege through methods such as accountability, critical feedback, and personal self-reflection.

Presented to a group of individuals who have implemented, created, or seen through a major project or initiative together 

A minimum of 2 and a maximum of 15 team members are required for nomination. 

Award: Team lunch 

Criteria:

• Project or initiative is large in scope and provides a new perspective or method for improving the work of advising.
• At least one team member must be an academic advisor. All other team members can be other University faculty, staff, or students
• Project or initiative fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment.