Characteristics and Techniques for Advising
| Characteristics |
| Freshmen |
Adult Students |
- Stages of assimilation important
- Must meet new expectations of peers and faculty
- Academic integration influences development of academic skills
- Social distractions negatively influence academic success
- Negative reactions to college include irrelevancy, underpreparedness, uncertainty about majors and careers, incompatibility
|
- Most have been away from formal education for at least two years
- Most work full or part time
- Education is usually not a primary concern
- Less involved with college life than traditional students
- Most manage multiple life roles
- Bring life experiences to the classroom
- Lack of time a problem
|
| Advising Techniques |
|
- Consider students as individuals adjusting to a new environment
- Be familiar with the stages of assimilation
- Establish a supportive relationship early
- Be attentive to fit between student and college
- Emphasize academic success
- Schedule regular contact at first, then increase student's responsibility
|
- View as developing individuals
- Understand adult stages of transition
- Understand students' reasons for enrolling
- Assist students in forming campus connections
- Encourage academic planning
- Act as an advocate for adult students to provide equity for students
|
Frost, Susan H. 1991. Academic Advising for Student Success: A Shared Responsibility. ASHE-ERIC Higher Education Report No. 3.