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Can Your Advisees Find You?

by Staff (updated August 01, 1999)

Although CALS students are generally very pleased with both their advisor and the advising they receive, their most frequent criticism or complaint is “I could not find my advisor.” While some of this difficulty may be of the student's own making, for example by waiting until the last minute to seek out the advisor, it is also true that faculty are extremely busy and have multiple demands on their time. A few simple steps might help to reduce the problems:

Please:


  • Anticipate periods when students will be needing your advice and action and adjust your plans to be available to see them.

  • Make arrangements with other staff members in your department to consult with your advisees in your absence. This is extremely important because a back-up system that works consistently will eliminate the most frequent cause of difficulty for students.

  • Post an appropriate notice at your office and alert you departmental office to tell students whom to see as their back-up advisor.

For Your Advisees, Encourage Them To:


  • Plan ahead – anticipate heavy demands on your time at advising periods for online registration, add/drop times, etc. and encourage students to make appointments in advance.

  • Consult with the department secretary to learn which staff member will take actions on your behalf when you are not available.

NOTE: Freshman register during SOAR (Student Orientation Advising and Registration) and are assigned an advisor. Students are encouraged to see their advisor during welcome week or very early in the semester. Advisors might initiate contact if the new freshman does not get in touch by the end of the second week of classes.