Ask an Advisor

Our “Ask an Advisor” column allows UF advisors to share their viewpoint and experiences. We recently asked some advisors to answer the following question: What is the most useful advice you’ve received about being an advisor?

Try to be a good listener and "clue in" on the full range of each student's needs or concerns. Here in Wildlife, I work in partnership with our faculty by encouraging students to seek out mentorship. By listening well, I can direct students toward the kinds of mentoring relationships with faculty that really enhance their education and carry forward into their future. Claire Williams, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

To take the time to listen and understand what the student's needs are and then do my best to help them succeed. Sallie Schattner, Rinker School of Building Construction

Be a good advisor not for accolades or monetary reward, because you will receive none. Be a good advisor because you love to help students succeed in college. If you do get rewarded, it will be years later when an alumnus tells you that you had a positive influence on his or her life. Bon Dewitt, Geomatics

Academic advisors don’t tell students what to do. Academic advisors provide accurate and informative information so students can make the best decisions about their academic , career, and personal goals. Academic advisors help students visualize the possibilities for their future. Renee Clark, School of Business

Remember that people do not always come to ask for your help or a solution to their problems or struggles. Many just want to be able to talk to someone and feel validated that what they are feeling is okay, that it is not out of the ordinary for them to feel stressed or overwhelmed. This helps me keep things in perspective. Robert Kwong, Liberal Arts & Sciences