In today’s exceedingly complex world of higher education, it is important for students to have the proper help and guidance to navigate their way through their college experience so they can reach their educational goals. With so many choices and options available, it is important for students to have someone who can help them make the best decisions for their future. Academic advisors can help students with this process, giving them the support and information they need to succeed. But exactly what is an academic advisor and what do they do?
In this article, we will discuss what an academic advisor is and what their role is in helping students have a successful college experience.
What Is an Academic Advisor?
An academic advisor is a professional staff member at a college or university who helps students with a variety of academic matters. They help students plan their course of study, choose classes, understand degree requirements, and more.
Advisors also serve as a resource for students who have questions about campus life, navigating the university system, or need help finding necessary services and support. In other words, academic advisors play a vital role in helping you succeed in college.
What Does an Academic Advisor Do?
As they work with students throughout their college career to provide them with guidance and support, an academic advisor’s responsibilities include:
Help Students Choose Courses
The most common thing people think about when talking about an academic advisor’s duties is helping students select which courses to take, but this goes beyond just knowing which courses you need to complete a degree.
Advisors can help students understand which courses to take first so that the prerequisites for the more advanced courses are satisfied when they want to take them later on.
After getting to know students, advisors can help those students who are undecided about their major create a course schedule that will help them explore their interests, so they can pick a major that aligns with their interests and goals.
Help Students Set Educational Goals
Academic advisors can help students not only explore their interests but also identify their strengths and weaknesses. With this information, advisors can help students set their educational goals. By taking into account the student’s individual work and life situation, the advisor can help them devise a plan that will set them up for success.
Academic Advisors Help Students Apply to Undergraduate Degree Programs
There are a small number of undergraduate programs that require students to complete some college-level coursework and submit an application before they are formally admitted to the degree program. This can be the case if a school has certain programs that are more competitive. I remember seeing this for a few programs when I spent some time working at a community college.
Academic advisors can help students navigate the application process for these programs and provide guidance on what courses to take, whether the student is trying to be admitted to a program at their current school or at another school.
Academic Advisors Help Students Understand Degree Requirements
Sometimes understanding all of the degree requirements and options can be confusing for students. That is why academic advisors, being the resident experts about the degree programs they are advising students about, are a great resource for students who are struggling to understand their degree requirements, or who are having trouble planning their course of study.
Not only do academic advisors know which classes you need to take, but they know when classes are offered. This means that they can offer guidance as to when you should take each class, whether the class is offered infrequently or if it is a prerequisite for something you will need to take later on. They can also help students identify potential areas of academic difficulty.
Academic Advisors Help Students Stay on Track to Graduate on Time
Given their extensive knowledge of the degree programs they advise students about, academic advisors play an important role in helping students stay on track to graduate on time. The advisors are not only able to give you information about what courses you should take and when to take them, as we discussed earlier, but they are able to advise you on how many credits you should take each term, as well as how and when to apply for graduation so you can graduate in a timely manner.
Academic Advisors Help Students Find Resources
College can be a tough time for students. Sometimes they’re dealing with things at home, sometimes they’re struggling with their courses, and sometimes they’re facing financial difficulties. Other students might have a disability that requires assistance or might be a veteran that needs help using their benefits. Some students might be having trouble making connections on campus or getting involved in student life. Still, others might be dealing with physical or mental health issues. Thankfully there are usually an amazing amount of resources and services available to students on college campuses.
But how do you know what things are available on campus and how do you access them?
While your academic advisor may not have the expertise to help you with every challenge you may encounter, as employees of the college or university, they are in tune with what’s available and can help you find the resources you need.
Here are a few places or resources your advisor might direct you toward:
- Career Center
- Counseling Services
- Office for Students with Disabilities
- Financial Aid Office
- Health Services
- Student Groups or Organizations on Campus That Could Help You Feel Part of the Community
- Technology Services
- Tutoring Services
- Veterans Services
Academic Advisors Advise Students About Transferring to Another College or University
There are a number of reasons why students transfer from one college to another and transferring is becoming increasingly common. Some students may transfer from a community college to a four-year institution, while others may want to change majors and find that their current school doesn’t have the program they are interested in. Still, other students might want to transfer because the college they originally attended isn’t a good fit. Financial considerations may also play a role in a student’s decision to transfer to another college.
Academic advisors are a great resource for students who are planning on transferring to another college in the future. They are often familiar with the various local and regional colleges and can help the student ensure that the classes they are taking at their current school will transfer to their new school. If the advisor isn’t familiar with the course requirements at your next school they will often be able to help you find the resources you need to answer those questions.
Academic Advisors Help Students Prepare for Acceptance to Graduate Schools
For many students getting their bachelor’s degree is just a stepping stone to getting their graduate degree. Students who are planning on getting one of these graduate or professional degrees can work with their academic advisor to help incorporate courses into their undergraduate degree that will help satisfy the admissions requirements of their graduate program. Otherwise, students could end up taking a lot of extra undergraduate courses beyond those that are needed for their bachelor’s degree program.
What Is the Role of an Academic Advisor?
A lot of people think that the role of an academic advisor is to simply tell the student what to do and that the student should simply do what the advisor says. While that might be true for a few things the student has a more active role as the decision-maker for their college experience.
The role of an academic advisor is to give you personalized attention and guidance as you go through your college experience. Advisors offer students knowledge, guidance, and support as they evaluate their options when making educational decisions. Throughout the process of advising students, the advisors will provide accurate and up-to-date information about, policies, procedures, and program requirements while making sure that the students are aware of the resources the college has to help them achieve their educational goals.
What Should a Student Expect From an Academic Advisor?
You should expect academic advisors to be available to support students as they develop realistic goals and attainable educational plans. They should be approachable and supportive of individual differences, including different educational and life goals. In addition to supporting the development of a student’s own self-advocacy, decision-making, accountability, and responsibility, you can expect advisors to maintain confidentiality while being knowledgeable about degree requirements, college policies and procedures, campus resources, support services, and opportunities across campus.
What Is the Difference Between an Academic Advisor and a Counselor?
The difference between an academic advisor and a counselor can be confusing for students, but it is important to understand the difference.
An academic advisor is a staff or faculty member who is responsible for helping students with their academic progress. They help by providing information, support, feedback, and guidance to students while making sure that they are aware of and have access to the resources that can help them achieve their educational goals.
A counselor is a professional who is usually trained at the master’s degree level or higher in counseling. Often a faculty member at the college, counselors meet with students for a variety of reasons. Reasons to meet with a counselor can include emotional or mental health concerns, relationship issues, career concerns, and more.
If you are having trouble deciding whether you need an academic advisor or a counselor, consider the following:
Does your issue relate to your academics? If you have questions about something related to your degree program or are concerned about your academic performance you probably want to talk to an academic advisor.
If you are struggling with relationships, for example, an issue that likely isn’t related to academics, it may be more appropriate to seek assistance from a counselor.
Final Thoughts
If you are a college student or will be attending college soon, it is important to understand the role of an academic advisor. Academic advisors can help you navigate your way through college and help ensure you make the best decisions for your situation so you have a successful college experience. Be sure to take advantage of this valuable resource!
