Faculty & Staff: UCOL Organization: Advisors

Academic Advisors in University College are persons who are committed to the success of all students and who have skills in academic and career planning as well as special knowledge about the transition to college. Most hold master’s degrees in education, counseling, social work, or student personnel services.

Advisor Staffing

In addition to full-time advisors, the University College Advising Center is staffed by two special types of advisors:

Joint Advisors:  Joint advisors work 50% in University College and 50% in a degree-granting school or student success programs.  Joint advisors ensure that we have the strong connections with degree-granting schools needed to provide students with a smooth transition from entry to the University to their chosen degree program.

Graduate Assistant Advisors:  Graduate assistant advisors are students working toward degrees in education or related-fields.  They receive intense training and professional development that ensures they are able to provide outstanding assistance to our students.  Working as a graduate assistant advisor provides students preparing for professional service in higher education or related-fields with an opportunity to gain relevant knowledge and skills prior to employment. 

Advisor Roles

While an advisor’s primary role is to assist students with their academic and career goals in a one-to-one setting, we provide assistance in other settings and roles:

Learning Community Instructional Teams:  Advisors are key members of the instructional team for each learning community.  In this role, the advisor serves as the assigned advisor for all students enrolled in the sections to which they are assigned.  By being in the classroom for each class meeting, students are able to make frequent contacts with an advisor.  Advisors provide students with important information and guidance on topics such as study skills, time management, financial planning, and selecting a major/career.

Students Experiencing Difficulties:  Advisors are particularly well-trained in working with students who have academic difficulties.  They will assist students in assessing the problems and developing positive solutions that lead to academic success and graduation.

Workshops:  Throughout the semester advisors present workshops on academic skills including time management, goal setting, and choosing a major/career.

Advisor Resources

University College Authorization Form

Math Authorization Form 

Advisor Orientation Guidebook