ADVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
I. Be knowledgeable of Advisee's program requirements, academic requirements, and university policies.
A. Provide accurate information about academic regulations and procedures, course prerequisites, and graduation requirements.
B. Discuss departmental guidelines and policies.
II. Be readily available.
A. Establish sufficient, well publicized office hours that will meet advising responsibilities and student needs.
B. Make contact with new student advisees for developing a relationship and helping college adjustment.
C. Initiate contact with advisees, especially new students since they may be hesitant to take the risk.
III. Provide scheduling assistance.
A. Help students to fully understand how to use the various printed materials and electronic information available to plan their program
of study and scheduling.
B. Clarify with the student whether the courses selected are appropriate considering their program and professional goals and possible
consequences of various alternative choices.
C. Knowledge of Placement Test information and course prerequisites are essential for appropriate course selection.
IV. Provide both academic and non-academic advising.
A. Assist students in understanding the purpose, opportunities, and challenges for higher education.
B. Do not make decisions for advisees but provide them with the information and guidance they need as they make their decisions.
C. Encourage students to engage in realistic self-assessment and develop decision making skills.
D. Help students plan a program suited to their interests, abilities, and career objectives.
E. Provide information on the meaning of Placement Test and course prerequisites.
F. Be concerned about the personal, academic, and social life of the student.
G. Discuss linkage between academic preparation and world of work.
V. Make referrals as needed.
A. Become knowledgeable of campus resources and make responsible referrals when appropriate.
B. Utilize resources on campus to seek out answers to an advisee concern.
VI. Establish a personal relationship with your advisee.
A. Get to know the person who is the student.
B. Display a caring attitude.
C. Open-ended questions build a relationship; close ended questions seek information.
D. Employ active listening skills to help understand what a student is really saying.
E. Be attentive through your verbal and non-verbal messages.
F. Focus your comments on understanding the student's needs.
G. Keep anecdotal notes of meetings with advisees regarding academic and career issues in order to establish continuity in your
relationship.
VII. Monitor academic progress.
A. Review Degree Audits with advisees.
B. Meet with advisee when academic difficulties are apparent.
D. Help student set realistic goals (long term and short term) to work toward and experience success.
E. Help student identify special needs.