Academic Advisor’s Role

As an academic advisor, you have a unique opportunity to influence students and to help them understand their role in creating and maintaining mastery over their academic destiny.  Information offered or a question asked at a timely moment can often have an important impact on the educational future of a student.

• When viewed as an extension of teaching, advisement discussions can help establish values, teach decision-making, and develop problem-solving skills.
• Most importantly, advisement sessions are an opportunity for the student to establish a personal contact with a faculty member. Research consistently indicates that contact with faculty outside of the classroom is a significant factor in student retention.

One of the most important roles you will play as an advisor is that of an interested and informed mentor who helps students learn how to make the many academic decisions facing them. Your goals should include assisting students in the following (adapted from the National Academic Advising Association):

• Development of suitable educational plans
• Clarification of career and life goals
• Selection of appropriate courses and other educational experiences
• Interpretation of academic requirements of the college
• Making students aware of all the available resources that enhance their education
• Evaluation of students’ progress toward their degrees
• Development of decision-making skills
• Helping students to become independent learners
• Helping the College better understand students and their needs