College-wide student advising involves a common vision and central guidelines, as set out in Directive E31.  Academic Advisors take the role of a student’s primary contact with the college. An advisor acts as the “hub” of a support network of college personnel and services available to the student.

The relationship between student and teacher is central to excellence in a student. Advisors can give students a special human link with the college. Using a coaching (developmental) model requires that advisors have detailed knowledge of – or detailed access to information of - courses, program, and careers in their fields.

BENEFITS OF ACADEMIC ADVISING

CORE PRINCIPLES

ROLE OF ADVISOR AS COACH

BENEFITS OF ACADEMIC ADVISING

The relationship between student and teacher is central to student success. In advising roles, teachers can give students a special human link with the college, fulfilling the college’s responsibility to integrate individual students into the full spectrum of college life. Any system which brings students and teachers together outside of the classroom has some positive effect simply because students perceive an element of caring in the allocation of time and energy necessary for a meeting. In addition, advising ensures that the student’s individual academic concerns are being addressed in a professional and timely way. 

CORE PRINCIPLES

College-wide student advising involves a common vision and central guidelines, as set out in Directive E31.  Ideally, any student academic advising system includes

• student access to an advisor or the services that student advising offers
• formal and early notification to students regarding his/her advisor
• a student-advisor meeting within the first two or three weeks of classroom activity
• a student-advisor discussion of the student’s expectations, goals, and skills, as well as an
• introduction to relevant college resources to assist the student with academic and/or social integration where needed.

Any college-wide approach to academic advising also needs the flexibility to respond to the particular needs, culture and resources of the various Faculties and Schools.

ROLE OF ADVISOR AS COACH

Academic Advisors fill or assume the role of a student’s primary contact with the college. An advisor acts as the “hub” of a support network of college personnel and services available to the student. In addition, advisors encourage and assist students to meet expectations and achieve success.   Similar to a coach who strives to build individual resolve and team spirit, the faculty advisor seeks to inspire confidence in each student by enhancing his or her sense of belonging.

The goals and functions of an academic advisor are many and varied. Individual advisors may excel in some areas while needing to work on others. The tools on this website have been designed to help teachers perform their advising roles.