Academic advisors are, by far, one of the most valuable resources for students on a college campus. Unfortunately, many students do not take advantage of this important student service. Here's more about what a college campus advisor does, and how to get the most out of this college resource.
What Do College Academic Advisors Do?
A college campus academic advisor is an educational professional assigned to help students succeed. Some advisors work in a centralized campus advising office, while others work for individual academic departments. Professors and instructors sometimes serve as advisors along with their other duties.
One of the main functions of an advisor is to help students pick out classes. Advisors are very knowledgeable about the required courses that students need to graduate, sometimes known as "core classes" or the "core curriculum." They also know what classes students need to take in order to complete their major.
Typically, a student comes to an academic advisor before course registration time with a proposed schedule for the next semester (or a rough schedule, if they can't make up their mind). The advisor will make sure these classes will keep the student on track for graduation. They also may help a student pick out back up classes if the student's first choices are full. They also may recommend elective classes and good professors that the student may not know about.
Academic advisors also are knowledgeable about resources on college campuses that may be valuable to students. They can advise students on where to find information about financial aid, career services, internships, academic tutoring, health services, commuter student resources, minority student resources, psychological counseling, and just about anything else on campus that a student might need.
Another important part of an academic advisor's job is to help students who are struggling academically. If a student is in danger of failing out, or is just not doing particularly well, the advisor can help the student make a plan to improve. They can offer time management tips and other advice, and direct students towards academic resources on campus. Moreover, academic advisors can help students with issues such as health problems, financial problems, childcare scheduling issues, and other obstacles to navigate the system successfully. Good advising is an important part of keeping students in school and helping them graduate.
In addition, an academic advisor can simply be a good ear to a student who's having a rough time. Advisors work with students every day and know how to help students deal with roommate problems, homesickness, "balancing" issues, and just about everything else.
How to Get the Most Out of the Academic Advisor Relationship
First and foremost, it's important to meet with an academic advisor often, usually at least once a semester. Scheduled meetings should not be blown off, as this is rude and a waste of a valuable resource. Meeting with an advisor may seem like an inconvenience, but isn't it worth spending a half an hour each semester to make sure a student is on schedule to graduate?
To maximize time between advisor and student, come to advising appointments prepared. It's helpful to keep on top of graduation and major requirements, and to come to advising appointments during course registration time with at least a rough sense of what classes to take. It's also useful to come to the appointment with a list of questions. Think of the advisor as a safety net to make sure students don't fall, as opposed to a crutch to help students stand up.
A helpful tip: visit an academic advisor during a less busy time of the semester. During class registration time, or at the beginning of the semester, it may be hard to get an appointment. It may also be hard to get a busy advisor's undivided attention.
Lastly, be aware as a student, it's reasonable to expect a good advisor. A good advisor is helpful, compassionate, and knowledgeable about requirements and services. While students do need to understand that advisors are busy and don't have unlimited time to help, they should be able to expect a high level of service and concern. If an advisor is truly not doing a good job, ask for a different one.
Academic advising is a valuable student resource, and it's important for students to take advantage of this service. Advisors are there to help students succeed in college, both academically and otherwise. Make the most out of this essential relationship!
Naomi Rockler-Gladen - Instructional designer and freelance writer, Naomi Rockler-Gladen writes some of Suite101's most read work.
