Advisors will assist students in decision-making by

  • Providing timely and accurate information,
  • Making appropriate referrals to campus resources, and
  • Encouraging students to use available technology.


Advisor Responsibilities

  • Being knowledgeable about university and departmental requirements, policies, and procedures
  • Maintaining adequate office hours throughout the semester
  • Providing a respectful, supportive atmosphere
  • Keeping accurate records
  • Ensuring that students are provided access to services on a fair and equitable basis
  • Avoiding any personal conflict of interest as well as the appearance of a conflict
  • Refusing to participate in any form of sexual harassment
  • Discouraging students from circumventing institutional policies or regulations, and when confronted with situations in which students have violated policies, addressing the issues and referring students to the appropriated agency
  • Recognizing the limitations of their positions and being familiar with university resources in order to make appropriate referrals
  • Maintaining confidentiality according to established standards

The following are suggestions from the American College Testing office for faculty advisors

  • Care about students as people by showing empathy, understanding and respect.
  • Establish a warm, genuine, and open relationship.
  • Evidence interest, helpful intent, and involvement.
  • Be a good listener.
  • Establish rapport by remembering personal information about students.
  • Be available; keep office hours and appointments.
  • Provide accurate information.
  • When in doubt, refer to catalog.
  • Know how and when to make referrals, and don’t attempt to handle situations for which you are not qualified.
  • Have students contact referral sources in your presence.
  • Keep in frequent contact with students; take the initiative; don’t always wait for students to come to you.
  • Don’t make decisions for students; help them make their own decision.
  • Focus on students’ strengths and potentials rather than limitations.
  • Seek out students in informal settings.
  • Monitor students’ progress toward educational goals.
  • Be realistic with students.
  • Follow up on commitments made to students.
  • Encourage students to talk by asking open-ended questions.
  • Don’t betray confidential information.
  • Be yourself and allow students to be themselves.