First Year Experience

Academic Issues: Meet Your Advisor

Many people will have an impact on your academic career. An instrcutor may be so dynamic, so persuasive, that he/she changes your mind about career choice. And as you acquire close friends, you will learn about their majors and may find them appealing. However, Gerow & Gerow point out that of all the people on campus who will influence your academic career, few will be as helpful as your academic advisor (1997).

Your academic advisor is either a professional staff member or a full-time faculty member. Your advisor will be able to answer a lot of your questions and give you some constructive feedback about your study habits. Your advisor can offer assistance with career exploration, major selection, degree requirements, registration issues, and other questions you may have.

A major difference between high school counselors and college advisors is that you have to make the effort to initiate interaction. Some advisors offer informal getting-to-know sessions and interact with their advisees via e-mail. But the responsibility for interaction still typically falls upon the student. Advisors are there for your assistance, so seek their assistance when you need it. And in many collegiate units, you are required to meet with your advisor before registration.

Ideally, academic advising is a process that involves frequent interaction between you and your advisor. The type of relationship you develop with your advisor is dependent upon how you and your advisor choose to pursue this opportunity for interaction. Remember, you take a large role in how effective your advisement interaction is. Montgomery, et. al, provide the following 5 points for making the most of the student-advisor relationship:

1. Locate your advisor as soon as you arrive on campus and introduce yourself. Begin your relationship on a positive note.
2. Stop by to say hello if you see your advisor in his/her office. A brief hello can help you build your relationship.
3. Prepare a list of questions before you go to your advisor. This will help ensure that you have all the answers you need when you leave.
4. Call your advisor if you have a problem that can be dealt with over the phone. Also, you can send an e-mail if the problem can be solved via e-mail communication as well.
5. Don't go to your advisor unprepared. You should have an idea of which classes you want to take or need to take for the upcoming semester. (1997)