What is Academic Advising in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences? 

Academic advising is an integral part of a college education. Effective advising is: 

• Collaborative: It allows student and advisor to develop a relationship in which the student feels a sense of connection, support and guidance. 
• Developmental: It responds to, and generates, growth and change within the student. Advising encourages students to think critically, seek out resources, and develop action plans. 
• Informative: It provides students with the information and encouragement they need to take personal responsibility for exploring options and making decisions. 

Ultimately, advising allows each student to achieve a meaningful and successful educational experience. 

Tenure-stream CLAS faculty are expected to be effective advisors [mentors], in accordance with the CLAS Standards & Criteria for Evaluation of Teaching. The CLAS Personnel Standards outline expectations for both effective and excellent faculty advising [mentoring]: "Effective advisors [mentors]¹ and teachers leave something of themselves with their students, demonstrate to students the importance of life-long learning and serve as important role models. Effective [faculty mentors] make the time and have the flexibility to make each student feel that their individual learning experience is the top priority for the [mentor]. The effective [faculty mentor] continually learns about university resources and references and has the ability to recognize when and where students need to be directed for the guidance they need. The excellent [faculty mentor] not only connects to good students but is also effective in reaching out to students who have more challenges. The excellent [faculty mentor] also helps junior faculty develop their advising through leadership and mentorship.” 

As outlined by A.W. Astin in his book, Four Critical Years, there are three main functions of an academic advisor:

• Advisor as a humanizing agent, whose interaction with students occurs outside the classroom and in an informal setting, so that the student feels comfortable seeking the advisor out.
• Advisor as counselor or mentor, who helps guide students through academic policy and procedure, offers advice and listens, and refers them to support when needed.
• Advisor as educator or instructor, who teaches students strategies for success and helps them understand curriculum, the purpose of their academic program, and encourages problem solving, critical thinking, and decision making.

The college welcomes feedback regarding advising from students, faculty and staff. Please provide feedback to either Dr. Colleen Lewis ([email protected]) or Dr, Ashley Shannon ([email protected])

CLAS Academic Advising Center

Quick link to the Center's website where you'll find curriculum guides for all CLAS majors and minors, resources and links to additional information, and easy access to the Center staff.

CLAS Academic Advising Center and Departmental Liaisons - Each academic unit in CLAS has a dedicated professional academic advisor in the Center. In addition, each academic unit in CLAS has a faculty liaison to the Center.