Elon 101 Academic Advisors

Within the broader context of Elon University and the specific context of Elon 101, there are certain core values that direct the academic advising process. The following statements are reference points for advisors to use.

Academic Advisors . . .
* Value mutual respect and honesty in the advisor/advisee partnership.

* Mentor students in self-understanding, self-acceptance, and the development of decision-making skills so that they may take responsibility for their own success and progress.

* Guide students in developing an educational plan consistent with their life goals and objectives but not exclusive of alternative courses of action.

* Provide accurate information about institutional policies, procedures, resources, and programs.

* Make referrals to other institutional or community support services when needed.

* Assist students in evaluation or reevaluation of progress toward established goals and educational plans by maintaining sufficient contact and subsequently documenting those advising contacts adequately.

* Provide information about students to the institution and/or academic departments when appropriate.

* Are knowledgeable about and sensitive to federal, state, and their own institution's policies and procedures, especially those governing such matters as sexual harassment, personal relationships with students, privacy of student information, equal treatment, equal access, and equal opportunity.

* Respect the opinions of both their colleagues and their advisees, but remain neutral and nonjudgmental when students present them with comments and opinions about other faculty or staff.

* Establish and maintain appropriate boundaries that enable them to listen to students' problems with a healthy detachment while simultaneously maintaining a keen listening ear and providing sensitive responses.

* Seek resolutions to conflicts between students and the institution that are fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of both parties.

* Understand that academic advising is teaching -- the most powerful form of one-to-one teaching in which educators can engage.