Developing a Relationship with your Faculty Advisor

As a first year student you will be assigned a faculty advisor. This can be one of, if not the most, important relationships you develop in college. Meeting with a faculty member might be intimidating to a first year student. Outlined below are five guidelines that you can follow to make sure that you get off on the right foot with your faculty advisor, and assist you in developing a positive relationship.

1. Introduce yourself to your faculty advisor. Many students know who their faculty advisor is by name only. Seek our your advisor and introduce yourself. You can do this by visiting your advisor during his/her open office hours or by making an appointment to see your faculty advisor. If you do not know your advisors schedule, you can always call their academic department and ask the faculty secretary for the office hours or to make an appointment.
   
   
2. Establish rapport with your faculty advisor. If you have made an appointment to see your advisor, be on time! When you arrive, be pleasant and positive. Introduce yourself (name, class) and shake hands if appropriate. Remember, first impressions are lasting impressions!
   
   
3. Share your background and educational history with your faculty advisor. Briefly tell your faculty advisor about your high school background and preparation for college. Let your advisor get to know you. He/she can not advise or help you if he/she does not know you. Talk about your career goals and what you want to accomplish in college.
   
   
4. Remember that all faculty members were once students! A typical faculty advisor with a PhD has been through eight or more years of higher education. Your faculty advisor has walked in your shoes, he/she knows what you are experiencing in college. Do not underestimate how helpful this person can be to you. He/she is a wonderful resource. You do not need to limit your questions/concerns to academic matters. A good faculty advisor will know the college and will be able to connect you to services on-campus that can help you in, and out of, the classroom.
   
   
5. Treat your faculty advisor with respect. All faculty advisors are human. Things that you consider rude or offensive will also strike him/her as rude or offensive. Use your manners and always be honest in your communication. Make sure that you thank your advisor for his/her time.