Do's and Dont's

Do’s

Be Available for meetings at reasonable intervals... about five or six times during the semester.
Value your student's time and fulfill your established time commitment.
Reply to emails and phone calls from your student within two business days.
Establish clear expectations regarding meetings with your advisee.
Encourage your advisees to set goals for the advising experience, to prepare questions, and to take initiative in your sessions together.
Communicate respectfully and responsibly with your advisee.
Evaluate your student, the program, and the experience at the conclusion of the advisorship program.
Contact the program administrator if you have any questions or concerns regarding your advising relationship or the program overall

DON’T expect to have instant rapport with your advisee. It may take time to develop a relationship, so be patient.
DON’T violate confidence. Discussions should stay between you and your advisee. Preserving an environment of confidentiality and trust should be your top priority.
DON’T tell your advisee what to do. Instead, make suggestions, share ideas and give encouragement.
DON’T be afraid to admit that you do not know the answer or that you have made a mistake. Find the correct answer and learn together. It helps your advisee to see that you are learning too.
DON’T forget your own adolescence or young professional life. What do you wish a more experienced professional had said to you or done for you? Try to remind yourself what it was like when you first graduated from college or what it was like for you when you were a young professional – putting yourself in your advisee’s shoes will help you connect with your advisee and see things from their perspective.