It is important for advisors to remember that the higher education transition for students does take time. And sometimes, perhaps many times, a student will try their very best and be unsuccessful. One of our jobs is to help them as they navigate the uncomfortable growth process surrounding those experiences.
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Students often lack the motivation to participate in the democratic process because they feel that they cannot make a difference. Academic advisors can provide knowledge and skills necessary for students to become politically engaged citizens.
The author remembers that his advisor never gave up on him. Not only did that experience change his life, it also allowed him the opportunity to change the lives of others.
Scholarly and theoretical underpinnings of academic advising acknowledge the importance of the relational component of advising. A common factors meta-model of academic advising suggests that several factors can be applied to the advisor-student interaction to increase student persistence, regardless of specific advising theory or practice.
High-quality academic advising has long been recognized as a significant factor in student satisfaction, retention, and overall positive outcomes. However, the theories and philosophies guiding individual advising interactions have received more attention than the guiding principles behind the development of advising policies and procedures at the institutional and departmental levels. This article explores the concept of "cruelty-free advising," inspired by the notion of "cruelty-free syllabi," to examine and reevaluate advising policies and practices. Cruelty-free advising emphasizes trust in students, places them at the center of the advising process, and fosters a genuine concern for their success. This article provides practical considerations and questions for advisors and administrators to transition towards cruelty-free advising, ultimately contributing to a more supportive and empowering academic advising experience for students.
