College advisers offer more than help with class schedules

A gateway. A mentor. A resource. These are some of the different roles a college adviser can serve.

Dana Basinger, assistant dean of Howard College of Arts and Sciences at Samford University, says it’s vital that incoming freshmen know what an adviser is — and how important it is to build a good relationship with theirs.

“They may think an adviser is the same as their high school guidance counselor, and it’s not the same,” she said.

“In college, academic advisers have a much smaller number of students to serve, and depending on the college, they might look more like a mentor than just a class scheduler.”

An academic adviser “ushers students through the years of their academic program,” Basinger said.

Matthew Downs, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Mobile, said college “can be confusing, especially for incoming freshmen or for students switching to a new area or major.”

An adviser can be a gateway into a new area of study and a translator to help understand different majors and course requirements, he said.

“The college adviser is a great resource for students, from first-time freshmen to the senior preparing for graduation,” Downs said.

“Students who develop a constructive relationship with their adviser will truly get the most out of their college career.”

He and Basinger offered some thoughts on how college students can make the most of their relationship with their adviser.

1. Take the initiative.

Students need someone in their corner to help them navigate college, and their parents aren’t there to do that. They need an on-campus go-to who can be their problem solver, Basinger said. Their adviser can be that person.

How do students build that relationship?

“Show up at their office a couple of times a semester even if you don’t have to. Email them questions.

“Get on their list as someone who has some energy and really cares about what’s happening,” Basinger said.

“You’ll learn really quickly that person can be a valuable resource.”

Downs agreed.

“Students should reach out to their adviser early and often during their time on campus, not just when it’s time to choose courses,” he said.

“Advisers can provide help about career paths, about resources on and off campus and can help connect students with opportunities unique to their major.

“It’s easier for me to connect my students with internships, with conferences and with events in the area when I’ve talked with them about their specific interests and career goals.”

2. Be prepared.

Downs said students should keep in mind that an adviser is just that — an adviser.

They’re there to “provide clear, informed advice” students can use to set their own path.

“Students should be prepared when meeting with an adviser, aware of the courses being offered, degree requirements and prerequisites and semester workloads,” he said.

“I always tell my advisees that the more they have prepared for our meetings, the better and more specific my advice to them can be, and the more they can get out of our time together.”