Advising is a way to help students reach their academic potential. Each student has a different journey, and there is no right or wrong path to take. Similarly, each encounter with a student is different and building a trusting relationship is vital to the advising process. Students must feel comfortable coming to their advisor with any issue, concern or celebration they may be experiencing. 

 

There are multiple ways to utilize my advising approach to build a trusting relationship. For one, I have set up my office to be warm and inviting - instead of using overhead lights, I use lamps and twinkle lights to bring warmth into the space. I have pictures of things I like and of my family and friends. When I talk with students I face them instead of sitting sideways or with them to my back. I share my own experiences when appropriate so they know that they are not alone. I create an atmosphere where students feel at ease coming to me to ask questions and know that I will be open and honest with them in return.

 

So often students are influenced by society and or family members on what they should select for a major. Another way I build trust is that I work with students to find out what their interests are and what they want to do for a career, often suggesting courses in another degree program to see if there is an interest for them and letting them know that it is ok to take a different path.

 

I may give suggestions and options but ultimately,  it is up to the student to decide what path they want to take on their journey.