• Interacting with the student
  • Establish rapport by preparing for the session – know something about the student.
  • Empathy, understanding, and respect are vital to the needs of all individuals.
  • Establish expectations of the advising relationship – your role and the advisee’s role.
  • Encourage advisees to talk by asking open-ended questions – a few moments of silence is okay.
  • “Peel the onion” to explore interests and goals.
  • Ask clarifying questions.
  • Be a good listener – silence in a session is appropriate.
  • Focus on strengths and potential rather than limitations.
  • Don’t be too quick to give “advice” – listen to the whole story.
  • Don’t be too quick to judge either the student or the college.
  • Don't interrupt.
  • Avoid nervous or bored gestures and maintain eye contact when appropriate.
  • Eliminate external distractions.
  • Remain as neutral as possible when supporting the student.
  • Don’t make decisions for students – provide students with support to make decisions.
  • Empower the student as opposed to creating a relationship where the student is dependent on the advisor.
  • Monitor progress.
  • Cooperation and Information
  • Advising at NIC is a team approach between faculty, staff, and students.
  • Avoid giving incorrect information.
  • Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know – NEVER guess at the correct answer – instead, ask questions of someone who knows or refer the student to another person or department on campus.
  • Identify resources – catalog, class schedule, other advisors, the NIC website.
  • Never criticize NIC faculty, staff, administrators, or operations.
  • Help students determine reasons for poor academic performance and make appropriate referrals when necessary.
  • Follow up on referrals.
  • Keep records of significant conversations.