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“I'm not sure about my major” really means “My life is a mess, I'm in a bad relationship, my parents are divorcing and I can't study because I get migraines.” Confusion about major or career goals is often the presenting issue for students who need to talk with someone about a myriad of other issues. “I'm going to see my adviser” is a lot easier to say to others than “I need counseling or psychological services.” It's a good thing that advisers are good listeners. – Elsie M. Boucek, Penn State McKeesport, Sep 03 “Students don't always provide you with all the facts or tell the absolute truth.” – Lisa DiBisceglie, Caldwell College, Sep 03 “Academic advising needs to incorporate the student's life-long career development needs during each session with the student.” – Sue Schauenberg, Black Hawk College, Sep 03 “Students with the best ACT's or SAT's are no more mature than all other students.” – Mary Sue Hoskins, University of Kentucky, Sep 03 “... are you busy?” (as you have 20 folders on your desk, and 1800 other things to do) – Kathy Klompeen, Bastyr University, Sep 03 “The rules change daily.” – Karen Thurmond, University of Memphis, Sep 03 I have a few favorites that are appropriate for advisers (and sometimes students as well): “You'll never know when you need to know what you know” (so adviser training sessions are actually worthwhile). “The best advisers ask more questions than give answers.” “The future isn't what it used to be.” “Some days you'll feel like you're parked diagonally in a parallel universe.” “Advice is the most useless thing in the world – wise people don't need it, and fools won't take it.” “Remember, everyone is in favor of progress; it's change they don't like.” And the national motto of all advising offices: “We have all the answers - yes, no, and maybe.” NOTE: I have these posted on my office walls and refer to them often. BTW, I have borrowed all of them (and more) from others, so you might have seen some of them before. Thanks to those who gave them to me. – Tom Grites, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Sep 10 Experienced advisers can provide new advisers with a working knowledge of developmental advising. For new advisers, it is often difficult to understand how this process will unfold for a student who at that moment seems lost and unable to succeed academically. Experienced advisers can share their stored knowledge that a student's present situation does not necessarily preclude a successful outcome. An adviser's confidence can go a long way. – Bruce E. Matthews, Auburn University, Sep 10 Confidentiality as a housekeeping issue: – Marion Schwartz, Penn State - University Park, Sep 10 “You can provide a map, and directions to degree completion. The student must be the driver and make the decisions regarding detours, stops along the way, and finishing the journey.” – Vicki B. Foy, California State University Northridge, Sep 21 “Students need to be active participants in the advisement process. It is a joint venture!” – Roxanne Knott-Kuczborski, Caldwell College, Sep 27 “Sometimes when students come looking for answers they actually need more questions.” I try to give them the questions they need and teach them how and where to find the answers. When students leave my office with a to-do list that resembles a scavenger hunt, I know I've done my job. – Lori A. VanHooreweghe, University of Northern Iowa, Sep 29 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 | |
