Advisors help students identify and develop their personal strengths
that lead to things like achieving goals, communicating well,
taking responsibility for actions, and earning a degree from the University. Students can also view these expectations on advising.umn.edu.
Students can expect their advisor to:
- Welcome each student as an individual and respect differences in experiences, culture, strengths, challenges, values, and educational and life goals.
- Provide a high-trust environment in which to share questions, aspirations, concerns, and interests.
- Be a responsive listener and advocate while supporting the development of students' self-advocacy, decision making, accountability, and responsibility.
- Help students explore their interests, goals, and talents and relate them to academic majors.
- Be accessible and tell students their preferred method of contact (e.g. e-mail, phone, etc.).
- Be knowledgeable about programs, responsibilities, and standards to help guide students’ progress toward degree.
- Maintain and help students learn policies and procedures necessary to navigate the University.
- Refer students to resources and support systems across campus.
- Maintain confidentiality and understand the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
- Discuss academic performance and implications.
Advisors can expect their students to:
- Take active responsibility for decisions they make or actions they take to facilitate successful progression towards educational and career goals.
- Participate fully in the advising experience by sharing academic, personal, and career values and goals with their advisor.
- Make regular contact with their advisor and don't wait until the last minute to schedule their appointments.
- Come prepared for their appointment with course ideas, discussion items, etc. Ask questions if they do not understand an issue or have a specific concern.
- Ask instructors and advisors for help when they need it: Seek help before a situation becomes a crisis.
- Follow through on suggestions and referrals offered by their advisor to further their academic, career, and personal goals.
- Inform their advisor of any academic difficulties or program or career changes.
- Become knowledgeable about academic requirements, university policies and procedures, and key deadlines and dates.
- Familiarize themselves with and utilize University resources and opportunities.
- Frequently check for emails sent to their U of M email account.