Roles and Responsibilities of Advisors
As an advisor you have a responsibility to:
- Help advisees explore and identify interests, abilities, and educational and career goals.
- Assist students with clarifying and developing an academic plan consistent with the students’ abilities, interests, and educational and career goals.
- Be available to students during scheduled office hours, add/drop and course registration periods.
- Maintain regular contact with advisees via e-mail, phone, and/or individual appointment.
- Maintain an advising file for each advisee.
- Monitor advisee academic progress by reviewing academic transcripts/program planning sheets and degree requirements.
- Identify and refer advisees to campus resources as needed.
- Assist students with understanding and interpreting university academic policies and procedures.
- Assist advisees in identifying cooperative education experiences and career opportunities.
- Maintain confidentiality, and be knowledgeable of the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
- Encourage advisees to take advantage of academic experiences and co-curricular activities such as study abroad, honors program, service learning, student clubs and organizations, etc.
- Advocate for students as they strive to achieve academic, career, and personal success.
- Discuss with your advisees the linkage between academic preparation and “world of work.”
Likewise students have a responsibility to:
- Schedule periodic appointments with their advisor and come prepared.
- Be familiar with the academic calendar, course registration deadlines, final exam schedules, etc.
- Know the degree requirements for their major and graduation.
- Understand the academic policies and procedures as outlined in the university catalog.
- Maintain a record of progress toward their educational goals and ultimately graduation.
- Inform their advisor, Academic Advising Office, and the Registrar of discrepancies between their records and the records of the university.
- Learn about and utilize the university resources available to students.
- Attend all classes.
- Seek clarification from their advisor, Academic Advising Office, or appropriate university resources when they need assistance or have questions or concerns about course, major or degree requirements, academic policies, etc.