Advising policies
Also see Academic Policies.
Role and Responsibilities of the Advisor
Advisors have a crucial role in student success and retention. A good advisor knows the resources available to students and how to get students connected to those resources. Specific advisor responsibilities may vary based on departmental or programmatic guidelines; however, all advisors have the same general responsibilities. An advisor has the responsibility to:
- Always be prepared for the advising session;
- Hear as well as listen, observe and understand the non-verbal communication (be aware of cultural differences);
- Be sensitive to the needs of students and be friendly, open, and respectful;
- Maintain student confidentiality;
- Help students define and develop realistic educational and career plans, and to monitor the student’s progress;
- Remember that the focus of the advising session should remain on the student and his/her needs (e.g.: no phone interruptions, etc.;)
- Assist students in selecting courses that are in alignment with their abilities and educational pathways;
- Be familiar with Pierce College’s advising practices and procedures including the Faculty Advisor Handbook and advising resources on the college intranet and other advising-related materials;
- Understand Pierce College graduation requirements, as well as, university transfer requirements;
- Provide students with accurate and up-to-date information about academic policies and to take advantage of opportunities to improve or update advising skills;
- Be aware of current laws and Pierce College policies, procedures and practices as they relate to academic advising and student privacy;
- Appropriately refer students when academic, attitudinal, attendance, or personal problems require intervention by other professionals;
- Inform students of special services available to them for remediation, academic assistance, and other needs; and,
- Allow the student to make the final decisions made during the advising session.
Role and Responsibilities of the Student (Advisee)
Students also have an important role in advising. Their role in the process supports the college’s core abilities, particularly, responsibility. Good advising empowers students to make informed decisions about their educational and career pathway. Students’ responsibilities include:
- Active participation in the advising process by clarifying their personal values, abilities, interests, and goals;
- Contacting their advisor when they are in need of assistance;
- Keeping their appointments with advisors and when they are unable to keep the appointment, notifying their advisor;
- Accepting the responsibility of following through on advising goals identified during each advising session;
- Communicating and sharing their ideas; and,
- Planning in advance for advising sessions by bringing copies of transcripts, transfer requirements, quarterly class bulletins, proposed class schedule, and questions.
