(The following expectations apply under full implementation of Advising 2020)
The role of the professional advisor is to foster student success and persistence to graduation by:
- Assisting students in self-exploration in order to develop educational plans that are consistent with students’ aspirations, interests, strengths, and values
- Encouraging students’ holistic engagement with the college experiences (academically, socially, culturally, and professionally)
- Developing a collaborative relationship with students which allows them to engage in self-authorship, make meaning of their experiences, and assume responsibility for their futures.
- Guiding students in critical reflection of academic and career goals
- Guiding students through career and professional development opportunities available as well as campus support for the identification and exploration of experience learning, leadership, and career paths
A professional advisor will:
- Provide a substantive advising appointment as required for each student which includes positive, open-ended questions to allow students to explore their goals, interests, strengths, values, and concerns
- Educate students about curricular requirements, academic standards, and academic milestones related to an intended/chosen academic program
- Assist students in developing an academic plan through graduation
- Teach students how to assess their degree progress through graduation
- Make referrals to campus resources, programs, and support systems that promote academic success, career development, and engagement in a chosen discipline
- Explain University and college academic policies and procedures
- Complete the petitioning process for students pursuing curriculum exceptions
- Communicate in a timely manner with assigned advisees
- Effectively utilize technology that support advising practice (such as DARS, Banner, Grades First, Career Guides/Alumni Data Base)
- Collaborate with and refer students to faculty mentors
- Conduct first- year and transfer student orientation sessions
- Participate in outreach activities such as speaking to classes, presenting programs in LLC’s and residence halls, and supporting recruitment activities
- Participate in a comprehensive professional development program
- Participate in a college/departmental evaluation/feedback as a part of the annual review process