Advising undergraduate students is a multi-faceted activity and involves a variety of behaviors. These include but are not limited to: (a) is knowledgeable about and discusses with students curriculum options, areas of concentration, and career options; (b) brings to bear appropriate knowledge in light of students’ goals, interests, and abilities; (c) devotes substantial time to advising undergraduate students; (d) is prompt in keeping appointments with advisees; (e) is available to advisees during the academic terms and also during periods that precede and follow those terms; (f) demonstrates commitment to the advising process through the use of discretionary time to provide advisory service; (g) demonstrates commitment to advising through advising a significant number and range of undergraduate students (non-traditional and traditional); (h) takes a personal interest in advisees; (i) is sensitive to the pressures and demands on students, both academic and non-academic; (j) demonstrates good communication skills such as listening, supporting and counseling (as appropriate); (k) acts as mediator or liaison for advisees while also encouraging self-direction and self-determination; (l) helps advisees develop an appreciation for the challenges, values, and rewards of a university education; (m) is open and non-judgmental in approaching advisees’ concerns; (n) helps advisees develop the ability to make discriminating judgments among competing values; and (o) is able to cope with the stress and frustration associated with the advising process.

To receive an Advising Award, a nominee must be outstanding in a significant number of these behaviors.