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Â鶹´«Ã½ is dedicated to ensuring that Â鶹´«Ã½s receive the knowledge and guidance they need to successfully navigate their educational experiences. To better evaluate our current advising practices and develop recommendations to improve them, WMU has partnered with the (NACADA) and the (Gardner Institute) to participate in Excellence in Academic Advising (EAA), a cohort-based, guided self-study  that addresses gaps in academic advising processes, practices, and culture.

EAA is a three-year commitment to institutional introspection, evaluation, and change. It provides a systematic and intentional approach to increasing the effectiveness of academic advising by engaging the institution in a collaborative effort to change processes, practices, and campus culture to better align with institutional and advising goals. This partnership leverages the expertise of two nationally recognized professional organizations (NACADA and the Gardner Institute) to guide and facilitate educational and organizational changes built upon a foundation of evidence-based decision making, planning and implementation.

In 2019, Â鶹´«Ã½ was selected as one of twelve institutions to participate in the Urban Ecosystems Cohort. Funded by the , this second cohort of EAA intentionally focuses on achievement gaps due to policies, practices, and processes that have impacted the outcomes of traditionally marginalized Â鶹´«Ã½s (e.g., racially minoritized Â鶹´«Ã½s, first generation college Â鶹´«Ã½s, Pell-eligible Â鶹´«Ã½s). 

Using the nine Conditions of Excellence below, this initiative established the standards for evaluating and improving academic advising that WMU aspires to achieve.