The increase in diverse student populations and the growing complexity of higher education have made academic advising a critical component of student success. This comprehensive professional reference overviews academic advising as a function and a process. Practitioners will find much valuable information on the intricacies of student advising, and administrators will find a thorough treatment of the functions necessary for the effective delivery of this important service. The handbook gives special attention to the needs of particular student populations and offers considerable coverage of academic advising as a profession.The book begins with a thoughtful glance at the history and development of advising. It then turns to some of the significant administrative matters related to the successful delivery of this service. The following chapter considers the essential skills and materials needed by academic advisers of all types. Because of the importance of college as preparation for a vocation, a chapter explores the link between career counseling and other forms of advising. A lengthy discussion of the needs of disabled students, adult students, and other special populations follows, along with a look at the needs of specific racial and ethnic groups. The closing chapters treat important professional issues, including evaluation and professional development. Counselors, administrators, and all those involved in the academic advisory process will find this book a much needed reference tool.