Academic Advising: Core Values
SPIA Undergraduate Office

The Undergraduate Office has three “core advising values:”

• Responsibility
• Communication
• Fairness

While the value systems of advisors are not limited to these three ideals, we do believe they are core values from which other important characteristics emanate. We understand these values to be “shared” in the relationship between advisors and students, but also recognize that student perceptions of advising values are important.  Holistic advising values should also consider relationships among peers and with administrators.

Responsibility
Advisors are responsible persons.  They are relied upon by students to be knowledgeable and accurate about institutional requirements, rules and regulations.   They are also commissioned to promote and enhance student learning on campus: directly with students through programming or example and indirectly through supporting faculty and other staff initiatives.

Communication
Advisors should be skilled at listening and explaining.  They are often the first person students approach with a problem (academic or otherwise).  They are committed to helping students gain clear understandings of advising topics through timely written or oral explanations.  They must be physically available and mentally open to students as much as possible.   This includes the skilled use of technologies to enhance advising.

Fairness
Advisors in the School of Public and International Affairs have a duty to students and the School to be fair and honest.  They must consider what is right for the whole student body when assisting individual students.  They must also recognize individual exceptions in light of social and institutional goals.