2.
Many students are apprehensive about continuing
their education online because they feel that they
will be all alone with no one to help them.
A student’s relationship with their Academic
Advisor can make a difference regarding their
experience in an online university.
Why is it Important?
3.
Academic Planning
Problem Resolution
Policy Interpretation
Leadership
Guidance
Motivation
Student Advocacy
Role of an Academic
Advisor
4.
Availability, Responsiveness, & Reliability
Knowledge
Effectiveness
Advocacy
Caring & Concern
Five Ways to Build
Rapport with Students
5.
Students want to know that they can count on their
advisor to be available when they need it.
Advisors should do the following:
Make sure that you let your students know of your
available hours
Please set expectations on when you will respond to
voicemail messages and emails.
Make sure that you take the time to respond when
students are trying to reach you.
Availability, Responsiveness,
& Reliability
6.
Students feel more comfortable trusting advisors who
are able to demonstrate expertise in their field.
Advisors should do the following:
Make sure you stay abreast of any changes in the
field by continuing professional training.
Utilize a wiki or intranet site to keep up with
standard operating procedures
Offer workshops for students to learn more about
their academic programs.
Knowledge
7.
Students are looking for their advisor to show that they
can be relied on to follow thru with the best solution.
Advisors should do the following:
Make sure to follow up with students during each
phase of resolving their issue.
Involve students on their decision-making process
Effectiveness
8.
Students want to feel like their advisor has their best
interest in mind when advocating for them.
Advisors should do the following:
Put yourself in the student’s place and determine
how you would want someone to handle your issue.
Do everything in your power to help the other
person understand your student’s plight.
Escalate to management when necessary
Advocacy
9.
Students want to feel like they matter to their advisor.
Advisors should do the following:
Show Empathy
Take the time to engage in reflective listening
Follow up with students regarding their life
experiences
Get a good understanding of your students
educational and professional goals.
Caring & Concern
10.
Building rapport is a great way to establish a working
relationship between advisor and student.
It can help motivate students to achieve their academic
goals.
It can improve student satisfaction in an online course.
As a result, it can improve retention.
Conclusion
11.
Ohrablo, S. (2014). Advising is more than a yes/no
business: How to establish rapport and trust with your
student. Retrieved from:
http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Resources/Clearinghous
e/View-Articles/Advising-is-More-Than-a-YesNo-
Business--How-to-Establish-Rapport-and-Trust-with-
Your-Students.aspx
References