A little over a year ago I wrote a column titled “Why advisement needs to be revamped.” The column received a lot feedback (both negative and positive), but the one that stuck with me is the comment that my article appeared biased and one-sided.
The column placed the blame completely on the advisors and the advising department, but the students lacked accountability. Well, with this follow-up, I will attempt to address the student’s absence of responsibility and answer if advisement has made improvements.
My main issue with advisement in the past has been its inconsistencies. I could never see the same advisor and even if I had the same advisor, the information was always changing. For every year you’re enrolled, Georgia State gives you a new person to handle your academic files; this wouldn’t be a problem if the advisors read your file prior to your meeting them, but it’s a chore to have to tell the same story every time you meet. They’ve alleviated this by designating specific advisors to each classification and major.
So, how do we as students make sure this process is as painless and successful as possible? We must meet our advisors halfway. When you go to advisement, have questions lined up for your advisor; it should never be a case of them having to drag everything out of you. Their job is to make sure you’re receiving the proper information in regards to you getting your degree. So please make your visit worthwhile. It’s better to have a lot of questions than to show up with nothing.
Towards the end and beginning of each semester we all receive the campus broadcast in our emails about meeting with our advisor. We’re encouraged to do a quick check in with the person offering you guidance. Before you delete that email and ignore their request, just do a follow-up. We’re all busy and have hectic schedules to manage, but when it comes to making sure you’re on track, I’m sure you can find time. Even if you aren’t physically available to meet with your advisor in person, you can send an email of even call in on some topics. This is me speaking from experience.
There are a few exceptions though. Some students have literally tried everything to receive proper assistance.
They’ve met in person, scheduled phone calls, sent emails as often as possible and come with endless questions but still are having issues. So what are their options? How do we solve these problems?
Advisement suggests that you fill out the survey and let them know of your dissatisfaction. My advice is to go straight to the department head and be patient. All changes can’t and won’t be changed overnight; it’s a process.
If you’ve done more than meet your advisor halfway, and you have also extended yourself, then you don’t need to do anything else. You’ve done your part.
To say advisement hasn’t made any positive changes or addressed the issues students have brought up in a year would be unfair. Advisors and students have a responsibility to make sure needs are met, but before you rant on advisement being awful make sure you’re doing your part.
