Academic Specialist Resources for Academic Advisors
If your primary functional role is academic advising, this page brings together the policies, process steps, and tools you need for reappointment and promotion.
What is an Academic Specialist?
Academic Specialists at MSU are non-tenure system academic staff with defined appointment types and tracks, designated as Fixed-Term or Continuing System Specialists. For specialists whose primary functional role is academic advising, the work centers on holistic student support, academic planning, progress monitoring, referrals, and contribution to student success initiatives. Typical responsibilities may include advising caseload management, orientation and outreach, collaboration with academic units and campus partners, assessment of advising outcomes, and participation in professional development related to advising. Reappointment and promotion recognize sustained effectiveness, contributions to advising practice, leadership/service, and scholarship.
Criteria and timelines vary slightly by unit; always confirm unit-level expectations in addition to university policy. Use the tools below to navigate reappointment and promotion processes.
Gather Your Resources
Preparing for reappointment and promotion can feel complex, but a range of resources are available to help academic advisors navigate each step. Explore the interactive Reappointment and Promotion Guide for a step-by-step overview of each process, access checklists to organize your materials, and connect with key contacts who can provide guidance specific to your unit or college. Whether you’re beginning your first review cycle or entering your second review (continuing system), or preparing for promotion to senior specialist (fixed-term and continuing system), these tools are designed to support you in documenting your accomplishments, planning effectively, and showcasing your contributions.
