Your Academic Advisor

Called both Academic Advisor and Academic Counselor, and may have “Senior” in front of their title (i.e. Senior Academic Counselor) if they have additional responsibilities or have higher levels of education and/or experience, your “advisor” is your guide through your major.  All are referred to as “advisor” by students.   There are two types of advisor:

  • Faculty advisors are also faculty members, which means they teach classes.  In addition, they may also do research and possibly be involved in special projects or outreach.  It’s also possible for faculty advisors to have administrative duties like being Department Head, or even President
  • Professional advisors are full-time advisors – that’s what they do for a living.  They will likely have or be working toward a Masters Degree (or higher).  Professional advisors may also teach classes, but they’re more likely to be orientation classes, career classes, etc.
Because both types of advisors often have one or more degrees in the discipline they are advising (as opposed to in academic advising itself), they probably receive training in helping students in crisis, advising theories and career guidance, among other things.  Their basic goal is to help you identify and achieve your academic and career goals, and be the resource connecting you to campus programs and services. 

He/she should be able to help you with some or all of the following;  

  • Course selection
  • Degree planning
  • Career counseling
  • Maintain knowledge of current campus policies, procedures and practices (like when and how to drop a course)
  • Help you advocate for yourself when necessary (how to ask your professor for help in a difficult class, etc.)
  • Determine course transferability and degree applicability for transfer and summer courses.
  • Maintain basic knowledge of other degree programs on campus, especially closely related ones.  They can help you by working through some “what-if” scenarios before you actually change majors.
  • Serve as a resource person for virtually all services provided on campus, including academic support services, student disability services, multicultural student services, etc.
  • Write recommendation letters. 
  • Help you file petitions and appeals, when necessary
Some advisors are VERY directive – they tell you what to do and what courses to take.  Others talk about options, give suggestions and allow you to make your own choices.  You will also want your advisor to get to know you – your weaknesses, goals, etc.  They won’t be as effective helping you if they don’t. Some schools will require you to see your academic advisor before enrolling each semester.  Other schools will make academic advising available, but don’t require it’s use.  I STRONGLY suggest you take advantage of academic advising services!  You may also have access to what are called “peer advisors”.  These are undergraduate students who are knowledgeable about the major and can provide assistance with course selection and sequencing, suggestions on elective or general education courses, etc. 

Usually, your advisor will NOT do the following:

  • Choose your courses or the times you take them
  • Call your professors when you are sick or not in class (unless it’s an emergency)
  • Fill out or file appeals for you
  • Tell you what to do (they should give suggestions, but rarely tell you what to do).

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