Advisor Responsibilities
Student Responsibilities

In an advising relationship it is important to know where the responsibility of certain issues and decisions lie. At Kansas State University the ultimate responsibility for advising rests with the student.  However, not all students will take the initiative nor do they realize what their responsibilities are. The following is a general guideline -- not official KSU policy -- to help new advisors better understand their responsibilities and those of their advisees. 

Advisor Responsibilities

	Maintain regularly scheduled office hours for academic advising as needed throughout the semester.
	Maintain academic advising skills through the use of informational courses, seminars, swap sessions, or advising manuals that are available in the library or over the Internet.
	Use assessment information, course projections, high school course records, academic transcripts and other student data as a means of identifying students’ strengths, potential problem areas, etc.
	Provide assistance to all advisees in setting both short-term and long-term educational and career objectives.
	Assist advisees with schedule planning and course selection on both a long-term and short-term basis. It is important to map out an academic plan in an early meeting to determine what courses need to be taken in sequence, as well as which courses are only offered once every year or every other year so the student does not miss the opportunity to take a needed or desired course.
	Monitor advisees’ academic progress and initiate contact with advisees who are failing to progress satisfactorily.
	Remain informed about academic policies, procedure, changes in departmental or university curriculum requirements, etc. This includes drop/add, retakes, academic probation/dismissal, academic fresh start, financial aid, etc.
	Remain knowledgeable about career opportunities and prospects in advisees’ field of study.
	Be knowledgeable about campus academic support services and refer advisees to these services as needed.

Student Responsibilities

	Participate in all scheduled pre-enrollment and orientation programs for incoming students at university, college, and departmental levels.
	Prepare in advance for academic advising meetings. Map out courses you want and need to take for your degree and present this to your advisor.
	Initiate contact with your advisor and get to know them.
	Make and honor academic advising appointments. Just as you have a variety of responsibilities, your advisor has multiple students to advise as well as other professional obligations, realize that their time is just as important as your time.
	Make advisor aware of any special needs or problems you encounter at K-State. Your advisor is there to guide you through any problems that may hinder your academic success and continued enrollment. They are equipped with a plethora of resources to help you.
	Know academic policies, procedures, and regulations such as drop/add, retakes, academic probation/dismissal, academic fresh start, financial aid, etc.
	Know degree requirements and remain informed about changes in your curriculum. Map out a plan of action for your academic career and review it with your advisor.
	Seek specialized assistance from academic support and student services as needed. While your advisor is available for your help, there are limitations to what services they should provide for you. Ask them for references to specialized services such as personal counseling, career and employment services, tutoring, etc.
	Know the information contained in the university, college, and departmental sections of the University Catalog.
	Make the effort to get to know your advisor personally, the better you know one another and the more comfortable you feel, the more successful your advising relationship will be.