Be An Advisor
What is student advising?
Student Advising is a unique opportunity to engage with NationsUniversity students in a dynamic relationship designed to assist the student in the completion of his academic goals. The Advisor provides encouragement, facilitates the learning process and is a resource for how to participate in an NU program.
Why have an advisor program?
NU’s program is basically self-directed. However, studies show that out of every 100 students who register, four will complete the work without assistance. Offering assistance and encouragement to student results in greater course completions and increased student satisfaction. Ultimately the advisor helps the student understand that receiving a degree is not a sign that one has completed his/her goal; achieving a degree signifies that one is better prepared for life.
What kind of advising does NU offer students?
Because NU is a unique educational institution, its advising program is also unique. Several approaches are interwoven into this carefully crafted program.
· Advising is designed to be motivational.
· NU’s advising program is intentional; we do not wait for the student to ask.
· Advising is coaching; we walk alongside the student.
· Advising is teaching; our approach is learning centered.
· Advising is appreciative; we focus on strengths before pointing out weakness.
· Advising is transformational; students find meaning in what they do.
What are the goals of the advisor?
· Make the students feel they are important.
· Help the students clarify their values and goals.
· Facilitate the spiritual development of NU students.
· Provide a prompt and adequate response to student inquiries.
· Amplify the human resource capacity of NU.
· Promote individual accountability.
· Guide the students toward successful completion of their academic plan.
· Teach the students how to study and how to learn.
What are the tasks assigned to the advisor?
· Welcome and orient the new student immediately upon notice of registration.
Remind the student that his enrollment is complete when his credentials are received.
Encourage the student to participate in the spiritual inventory and enroll in the first course.
Address all of his/her questions.
· Respond promptly to correspondence from students.
Always look at the record to see what advice is needed before drafting your reply.
Be proactive in your reply with a goal of creating a meaningful dialogue with each student.
· Perform quarterly reviews of each student record.
Review the entire record carefully.
Communicate policy, procedure, and helpful information.
Provide intervention to at-risk students before the student fails a course.
Requirements for advisors
· The best training is personal experience. Those who have been through the program and completed a degree know the value of the program and also the steps that must be taken to accomplish it.
· Beyond our graduates, anyone interested in becoming an advisor must be willing to spend some time learning the system. He/she is encouraged to enroll as a student and pursue several courses. This includes opening the exams and going through the process of submitting the exam.
· Potential advisors must be willing to give seven to ten hours per week communicating with students. This includes researching and advising students.
· While it is preferable that the advisor have a minimum master’s degree education, it is possible for someone with a bachelor’s degree to perform adequately.
Advisors must learn the basics
· Learn the basic academic plans and be able to explain the rationale to students.
· Understand the registration process and the placement of students according to date of enrollment.
· Respect the diversity and individuality of NU students.
· Show respect when dealing with students regardless of their complaint.
· Promote Christian service and volunteerism.
When communicating with students, conversations tend to fall into three categories
· Informational conversation
University policies and procedures
Requirements for each academic plan
Various programs of study
· Conversations that are personal to each student
Core Values
Strengths
Interests
· Conversations about the future
Goal setting
How NU can help you reach your goals
How are you changing as a result of your study with NU
Communicating with students; tips for success
· Always include username in subject line of email with a copy to your supervisor
· Begin each letter with a warm greeting and end your letter with a blessing.
· Carefully answer student concerns and address all issues raised.
· Offer advice based on your review of the entire record.
· Offer positive criticism throughout the message and encouragement at the end.
· If a student does not include his username, look for it by name or email in CMS.
· Be sure to include the website address at the end of your message.
· Focus on the student, not your personal life or problems; address him/her by name.
· Personal references – not unless pertinent to study or affirmation of faith (you are more than his pen pal).
· Eliminate American idioms from your communication with foreign students.
· Be enthusiastic.
· Clarify the purpose of each communication.
If you do not know the answer to a student's question, it is better to ask your supervisor than to guess at the answer.
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