An answer to Musser’s (2012) challenge to the advising community to build on the constructivist foundation of advising theory...

[Read the rest of this article...]

theory, theoretical reflections, advising theory, Jeremy Bohonos

Many advisors work with students who are exploring, either initially or after a first (or second) choice of majors doesn’t work out; other advisors work with students who have chosen their major.  It is common that both of these types of students don’t know what career they wish to pursue.  How can advisors adequately help students explore and commit to a major or career choice?

[Read the rest of this article...]

theory, undeclared, undecided, Kyle Ross, career advising

Advisors and learning strategists often work with students who are aware that they lack motivation; however, these students do not know how to change their predicament.  Advisors can inspire motivation by introducing tangible tasks that move the student to action.

[Read the rest of this article...]

Shehna Javeed, student motivation

An extremely complex facet of advising pre-professional students is how to instill realism in students whose goals mismatch with their current academic performance… Although no advisor wants to discourage a student from pursuing his or her goal, advisors also may feel a responsibility of instilling a level of realistic expectations with their advisees.

[Read the rest of this article...]

Tobin Richardson, pre-health students, pre-professional

In a time of fierce economic trials, it is easy for us as well as students to fixate on job preparation. But we must not fall into the alluring mistake of advising students as only aspiring employees. Instead, we should cultivate an advising practice that narrates multiple educational payoffs for our advisees, including, but not limited to, employability.

[Read the rest of this article...]

reflection, Liberal Arts, William Smith

The most common phrase I hear from students during advising is “just tell me what classes to take.” As an advisor who wants to help students reach their goals and full potential, I cringe each time I hear it…

[Read the rest of this article...]

student athletes, student motivation, Kristina Allemand

Inaccurate assumptions, coupled with the steady increase of international enrollment all over the U.S., have resulted in a number of racial incidents targeting international students… University administrations across the country have proposed that we need to create safe and welcoming environments by encouraging cross-cultural interactions between domestic and international students.

[Read the rest of this article...]

empathy, international, Yung-Hwa Anna Chow

As institutions of higher education face increased budget cuts and reduced state support, academic departments are forced to become increasingly self-supported. The Psychology Department at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio offers a model for implementing marketing efforts at the department level that serve to increase visibility and student retention while fostering departmental growth in a time of fiscal tightening.

[Read the rest of this article...]

retention, Jennifer Papadakis, marketing

I have been fortunate to serve in my current position as academic advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for these six months…As I reflect on my first semester, I share some advice that may benefit new and aspiring professionals coming into the profession of academic advising.

[Read the rest of this article...]

professional development, new advisor, Mark Nelson, professionalism

The field of academic advising has various aspects that new advisors must navigate to fully embrace their position.  These tips can assist a new advisor in navigating these pathways and reveal new areas to explore within the profession.

[Read the rest of this article...]

Tiffany Labon, Heather Ammons, professional development, new advisors