Advisor’s Role

• Assist students by helping to identify and assess alternatives and the consequences of decisions.
• Discuss educational and career objectives suited to students’ demonstrated abilities and interests.
• Inform students about prerequisites for subsequent courses in their majors.
• Give advice about courses and the adjustment of course loads.
• Help students plan a course of study.
• Maintain student confidentiality.
• Enhance students’ awareness of relationships among courses, internships, programs, and co-op experiences provided by the college.
• Provide accurate information on college program requirements & help students understand academic and administrative processes of the college.
• Help students develop a perception of themselves by reinforcing student self-direction.
• Participate in college-wide and divisional meetings to keep informed and current.
• Give support and encouragement to all students as they pursue their educational and professional goals.
• Help students clarify academic, career, and life goals, and evaluate progress toward those goals. 

Academic Advisors Cannot:

• Make decisions for the student, but can be an empathic listener and offer alternatives to consider.
• Change policy or academic requirements, but can inform and recommend a course of action.
• Serve as a personal counselor, but can be a resource for referrals to appropriate professional personnel. 

Student’s Role

• Assume responsibility for following through on course scheduling, program planning, and the successful completion of academic requirements.
• Consult with the advisor at least twice a term to decide on courses, check progress, and discuss the suitability of other educational opportunities provided by the college.
• Seek the academic and career information needed to meet educational goals.
• Become proactive and knowledgeable about relevant policies, procedures, and rules of the college and the academic program.