Tips on getting the most out of your advisor
The biggest myth about academic advising is that advising is all about course selection. There is so much more to it. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, a good academic advisor will help you discover your strengths, develop as a learner, clarify your life goals, and make a plan to accomplish your dreams.
Different colleges have vastly different academic advising systems. In some colleges, faculty members do all the advising. In others, professional staff fill this role. Still other colleges use a combination. Caseload methods also vary: are you assigned a specific academic advisor, or do you go to an advising center and see the first person available?
To get the most out of whatever your college’s advising model happens to be, check your student handbook, catalog, or college web site to figure out how it works. You can also ask your RA or orientation counselor. Then see your academic advisor at one of the less busy times of the semester. Make the longest appointment possible so that the two of you will have a chance to go beyond the basics of “where are you from?” and “how are your classes going?” If you already have a resumé, bring it along. The two goals of this meeting are for you to become comfortable talking with your advisor, and for him or her to start getting a sense of you as an individual.
If you have an assigned advisor, stay in touch with him or her even if everything is going fine. If you aren’t assigned to anyone, shop around for a well-regarded advisor. Schedule an appointment with someone other students recommend; go in with some questions and see if you agree with their assessment. If so, schedule future advising appointments well in advance so your preferred advisor is more likely to be available.
Look for an advisor who:
• Asks you tough questions that make you think.
• Listens carefully.
• Is knowledgeable about the institution, its resources and academic curricula.
• Understands the many ways people learn.
If you find an advisor with these qualities, you have found a treasure—stick to him or her like glue!