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 My reaction is that of the two areas, advising and teaching, it would be teaching that would be more prone to having issues come up when acquaintances are involved. Though deserved, it wouldn't be easy putting an “F” on your neighbor's assignment. But as an adviser, you serve in more of a support role where you aren't in charge of giving that type of evaluation. What “tough love / wake up statements” we sometimes do give students might even work better if the person getting them knows you to some degree. It might get their attention better coming from an acquaintance. Though admittedly I've never been involved in such an advising situation, I do think it is within the realm of appropriate and in more cases than not, I suspect, ideal from the adviser's point of view. The advisee, however, could have a different take on things if she or he didn't want an acquaintance to know academic information. Hopefully in that case there would be another adviser the student could see. . . . Hey, another reason to increase the size of advising staffs! It is a small world after all.~ Kevin Seymore, senior academic counselor, Oklahoma State University, October 3, 2008 I think it is inappropriate. The adviser, as well as the student, would be better served by not adding that layer to the advising relationship. One serious complication that has arisen in my experience has been adequate assessment of an adviser's performance. Acquaintances are much less likely to provide actual responses to inquiries about an adviser's performance. Much of our efforts are based upon student responses, and without an unbiased set of data, it's difficult to utilize that critical information.~ Sam Eggert, academic advisor, Eastern Oregon University, October 15, 2008 I see no real issues or concerns with advising an acquaintance. I have had the opportunity on several occasions to serve as adviser to an advisee I already knew. I found it to be both pleasant and very effective. The first thing and very important to note, is for each adviser and advisee to have a clear understanding of their perspective role in the process. Secondly, should there be confidentiality concerns about grades or performance by the advisee, a second adviser could participate. Overall, advising an acquaintance has many advantages considering the adviser already knows the character, and both good and bad qualities of his advisee. This kind of insight helps the adviser to plan strategies that will more likely create success.~ Linda Hardenbergh, academic advisor, College of Public and Community Service, University of Massachusetts Boston, October 15, 2008 I advise acquaintances as well as my children on their educational endeavors. On many campuses, there is a lack of advisers and sometimes it is just easier to ask me than try to get an appointment. Besides, I can ask questions that lead to actual decision making by the student and those questions can be based on the knowledge of the person's learning style and academic goals.~ Rebecca Graetz, online academic advisor, Minnesota Online–MnSCU, October 31, 2008 The Mentor is published by Penn State's Division of Undergraduate Studies Available online at www.psu.edu/dus/mentor/ Privacy and Legal Statements | Copyright | © The Pennsylvania State University | All rights reserved | |
