Advising is a partnership between you and your advisor. Advisors help you identify and develop your personal strengths that will help you achieve your goals, such as communicating well, taking responsibility for your actions, and earning a degree from the University.
Advisors can be your advocate, helping you get your needs met in this large and sometimes confusing place. Advisors can also act like a personal coach, helping you to be your best self while here, knowing it will serve you in your future beyond the University.
Students can expect their advisor to:
Welcome each student as an individual and respect differences in experiences, culture, strengths, challenges, values, and educational and life goals.
Provide a high-trust environment in which to share questions, aspirations, concerns, and interests.
Be a responsive listener and advocate while supporting the development of your own self-advocacy, decision making, accountability, and responsibility.
Help you explore your interests, goals, and talents and relate them to academic majors.
Be accessible and tell you their preferred method of contact (e.g. e-mail, phone, etc.).
Be knowledgeable about your program, responsibilities, and standards to help guide your progress toward your degree.
Maintain and help you learn policies and procedures necessary to navigate the University.
Refer you to resources and support systems across campus.
Maintain confidentiality and understand the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Discuss academic performance and implications.
Advisors can expect their students to:
Take active responsibility for decisions you make or actions you take to facilitate successful progression towards your educational and career goals.
Participate fully in the advising experience by sharing your academic, personal, and career values and goals with your advisor.
Make regular contact with your advisor and don't wait until the last minute to schedule your appointments.
Come prepared for your appointment with course ideas, discussion items, etc. Ask questions if you do not understand an issue or have a specific concern.
Ask instructors and advisors for help when you need it: Seek help before a situation becomes a crisis.
Follow through on suggestions and referrals offered by your advisor to further your academic, career, and personal goals.
Inform your advisor of any academic difficulties or program or career changes.
Become knowledgeable about academic requirements, university policies and procedures, and key deadlines and dates.
Familiarize yourself with and utilize University resources and opportunities.
Frequently check for emails sent to your U of M email account.