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Advising in Schools

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Advising is not truly a difficult task but one that requires practice and patience for success. Faculty and staff are given only a few instructions for advising and facilitating students and student groups. Most learn by experience and so act as resource persons for others. Training for advisers is limited and having to balance both administrative positions and extracurricular activities may become a weighted issue. With so many benefits of advising including the increase of student academic success, satisfaction and retention (Lucas and Murry, 2002), advising becomes a worthwhile venture even as a new faculty, staff or employee. Laird (2007) reveals three relevant tips for advising which I will borrow. His first tip is to establish a Comfortable setting, the other is to remember the golden rule which incidentally is my favorite and the final would be to know your advisees.
Establish a Comfortable Setting
Advisees may be more receptive to conversations when they are comfortable. The student may disclose pertinent information, that way; the advising session can be easily managed. Such a conversation builds rapport. Rapport is marked by trust and understanding. The same way in which I hold a relationship with my family doctor to disclose otherwise embarrassing conditions I would not disclose to peers, I want the student to trust me in that respectful manner. Rapport promotes open communication and encourages the student or advisees desire to participate in activities

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