Reminders for Effective Advising
- Interacting with the student
- Establish rapport by preparing for the session – it's good to 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 – maintain good eye contact.
- 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.
- Try to avoid nervous or bored gestures.
- 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.