Advisor/Advisee Expectations

The advisor should:

Establish and adhere to reasonable weekly office hours, be available for advising appointments, and expand hours during registration and add/drop periods.
Be sensitive to the needs of a diversity of students.
Understand the mechanics and deadlines of enrolling students, such as scheduling by telephone, adding and dropping classes, closed-class options, special enrollment forms, and contacts in the Office of Registration and Records (Registrar).
Understand how to read a DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System) report.
Understand College grading and Probation/Dismissal policies.
Be familiar with the variety of College degree and program offerings, departmental and College requirements as well as General Education requirements (as explained in the The College at Brockport Undergraduate Studies Catalog).
Assist students in exploring course and program offerings and career choices.
Know where to refer students with special needs or interests (e.g., Office of Academic Advisement, Office of Career Services, Health and Counseling Center, Office for Students with Disabilities, Financial Aid Office, International Student Services, International Education Office, Student Learning Center).
Help students plan a course of study based on aptitudes, life goals, career interests, academic performance, and the frequency of course offerings.
Help students continually reassess their course of study in light of changing goals and overall academic performance.
Share information about opportunities in their major and intended career field (e.g., internships, practicums, volunteer and service-learning opportunities).

The advisee should:

Recognize that you are ultimately responsible for knowing and fulfilling all degree requirements. You are also responsible for being aware of and meeting academic deadlines and financial obligations.
Be aware of departmental major, General Education, and College degree requirements.
Understand how to read and use a DARS report.
Consult with the advisor at least once each semester.
Make appointments for advising via phone, e-mail, or office hour sign-up sheets during mutually agreed upon advising times.
Keep appointments promptly.
If unable to make a scheduled appointment, notify the advisor in advance.
Discuss academic and career-related needs and seek additional help from appropriate sources as suggested by the advisor.
Be prepared for the advising appointment by bringing appropriate materials and written questions and by having reviewed the DARS report, checked catalog requirements, consulted the current semester course schedule, and prepared a tentative schedule.
Seek assistance in decision-making rather than expect the advisor to make decisions.
Follow through with appropriate action after each advising session and consult with the advisor if critical decisions cannot be accomplished.