Who/What Makes a Good Advisor?
Advisors are individuals who bring their unique skills and competencies to the advising process. Listed below are some fundamental characteristics essential in advising:
1. Accessibility/Availability:
Students need advisors who are readily available. While this does not mean being in the office at all times or making constant exceptions to office hours, it does require some flexibility. Here are some ideas:
- Extend an informal, personal invitation or leave the office to meet students in different locations, both of which may be effective in meeting needs.
- Post office hours and make sure your students are aware of when you will be available.
- Set aside enough regularly scheduled time to adequately meet the advising needs of your students.
- Be intrusive with first-year students. Many do not yet have the confidence to make appointments on their own.
2. Knowledge:
It is important for advisors to be knowledgeable about a broad range of topics so that students know they can turn to their advisors as a resource or for a referral. Important topics to understand include policies and procedures, resources, general education requirements, and major requirements.
- Give the students a list of resources on campus (such as the Counseling Center, Financial Aid Office, Office of the Registrar, Learning Center, etc.) and know what services these offices provide.
- Attend the Advisor Development Workshop series offered each semester by the Advisor Development and Resource Team. Also, read the "Advising News You Can Use" newsletter for faculty advisors.
- Students may have questions for which you do not know the answers, especially in your first semester or two of advising. It is okay to ask them to wait while you ask those who do know. Students will appreciate your help!
3. Helpfulness:
This is an area in which students most differ in their opinions. As an advisor, it is important to do your best to assess the needs of individual students and then to try your best to meet their particular needs.
- Give students your time and attention.
- Keep accurate advising notes so that you will be aware of what has already been discussed. This will also remind you of previous discussions so that you can ask appropriate questions.
- When referring students to other offices, help them by providing names as well as phone and room numbers of the people to contact.
- One way students appraise helpfulness is by the advisor's willingness to talk about race or gender. Students of color see a culturally sensitive advisor who acknowledges their race or ethnicity as more competent than a culturally naive advisor.
