The purpose of academic advising is to help students select a program of study to meet life and vocational goals. As such, academic advising is a central activity in the process of education. Academic advising occurs at least once each term for every student in the college; few student support functions occur as often or affect so many students. But while there is general agreement surrounding the importance of academic advising for the efficient functioning of the institution and the effective functioning of the student, there is little agreement regarding the nature of academic advising and who should perform the function. The model proposed in this article defines the process of academic advising and outlines the skills and knowledge required of academic advisors who work with students through this process. It is a flexible model that can be adapted to the needs, resources, and culture of any institution of higher education.