Advising is an integral part of the University’s educational mission. A successful and productive advising/mentoring relationship involves the collaboration of advisor or mentor and student.

The advising and mentoring relationship should not only allow the student to meet academic degree requirements but promote the student’s engagement in curricular and co-curricular opportunities that promote his/her full development.

Advisee Responsibilities

• Take initiatives that allow you to identify your strengths, talents, and interests
• Plan a program of study and co-curricular activities in support of these strengths, talents, and interests
• Know and follow University requirements, School/College requirements, and major requirements.
• Learn about the curricular, co-curricular, and career resources that the University offers.
• Review your Student Admin record regularly, especially your Advisement Report (“Academic Requirements” in the drop down menu in the Student Center), which provides details on requirements met and not yet met.
• Meet with your advisor regularly and go to your advising appointment prepared.
• Note: If you have questions that your advisor cannot answer, please contact your School/College Advising Center.

Advisor Responsibilities

• Support students in a process of self-assessment to identify their individual strengths, talents, and interests
• Assist students in developing meaningful educational plans, including relevant experiential learning and co-curricular activities
• Know and understand University requirements, School/College requirements, and major requirements in your field. This may require consultation with the School/College Advising Center and/or the Registrar.
• Be familiar with the University’s curricular, co-curricular, and career resources.
• Be accessible on a regular basis, through office hours, email, or phone.
• Maintain confidentiality. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) restricts the sharing of students’ information to “school officials with legitimate educational interest.” Anyone else wishing to have access to a student’s records, such as parents or guardians, must have the student submit a release form (submitted within Student Admin) before any information about the student’s academic record can be shared.

No single advisor has expertise in all the areas a student may wish to explore.

• Students should consult with a wide range of faculty and staff who may be able to advise them on the many opportunities available, such as education abroad, research, internships, leadership and service, careers, and graduate school.
• See Academic and Other Support and Opportunities for further information.