The “Give a Shit” Theory of Academic Advising

Like many parents, every time I drop my son off at a new school or camp, I hope that there are adults there who will care for him, love him, and see him as the unique individual that he is. While I haven't yet dropped a child off at college, I know that when he goes off to college, those same worries will persist. That's why I treat every student who walks into my office or my classroom recognizing that they are someone else's "William" (that's my son's name). I approach my interactions with them the way I hope someone will someday approach my son – with empathy, kindness, and a genuine interest in their wellbeing.

I'll admit it – the title of this post is a bit tongue-in-cheek. It's not the kind of language you'd expect to see in a professional or scholarly setting. But that's kind of the point. Sometimes, the most important ideas don't follow the rules. For me, one of those ideas is the importance of caring for your students as people. It's something I've always believed in as a practitioner, but it's taken on even greater significance since becoming a father.

It's not about being the most knowledgeable or the most experienced advisor (although those things certainly help). But here's the thing – being an expert in the curriculum and knowing all the policies isn't enough. What really matters is whether or not you care about your students as people. That's the central idea behind what I call the "Give a Shit" theory of academic advising. It's about truly caring about your students and their goals, dreams, and struggles. It's about being someone they can trust and confide in, someone who will support them through the ups and downs of college life.

At the end of the day, caring for your students isn't just a nice thing to do – it's an essential part of being an effective academic advisor. Let's face it – college can be a tough and confusing time for students. They're dealing with academic pressures, social challenges, and often, big life changes. That's why academic advising is so important. Advisors can help students navigate the complex world of college and make the most of their educational opportunities.

Why does it matter?

Caring for students as people can have a profound impact on their academic success, personal development, and overall well-being. When advisors show empathy, understanding, and genuine interest in their students, they create a safe and supportive environment that fosters trust, confidence, and motivation. This can lead to greater student engagement, better retention rates, and higher academic achievement. Research shows that student satisfaction with academic advising is strongly influenced by whether advisors care about their students and their well-being. Internal research at my own institution has shown that whether or not an academic advisor cares about their students and their well-being is the most impactful variable when it comes to student satisfaction with advising. Students can tell if you're real and authentic and if you truly care about them. And if they don't feel that connection, all the expertise and strategies in the world won't matter.

On the other hand, not caring about students can have significant negative consequences. If advisors are dismissive, unresponsive, or lack empathy, students may feel disrespected, undervalued, and unsupported. This can lead to disengagement, poor academic performance, and even dropping out of college. In extreme cases, students may suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or isolation, which can further exacerbate their academic challenges.

How do we do it?

So what does it mean to "Give a Shit" as an academic advisor? It's about more than just being friendly and approachable (although those are important qualities too). It's about truly listening to your students, asking questions, and showing empathy and understanding. It's about building relationships and trust over time, and checking in with your students regularly to see how they're doing.

Of course, there are challenges to "giving a shit" as an academic advisor. You may have a heavy caseload or limited time to devote to each student. But even small actions can make a big difference. Scheduling regular check-ins, following up on conversations, and sharing personal experiences or anecdotes can all help build rapport and show your students that you care.

So how can you practice "giving a shit" as an academic advisor? Here are a few strategies to consider:

Get to know your students: Take the time to learn about your students' backgrounds, interests, and goals. This can help you better understand their unique needs and perspectives. Encourage open communication and create a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns.

Active listening: Practice active listening during your interactions with students. Give them your undivided attention, maintain eye contact, and show genuine interest in what they have to say. Reflect back their thoughts and feelings to ensure you understand them correctly and validate their experiences.

Empathy and understanding: Put yourself in your students' shoes and try to empathize with their challenges and emotions. Recognize that each student may have different circumstances and pressures impacting their academic journey. Show compassion and understanding when they face difficulties or setbacks.

Personalized support: Tailor your guidance and support to meet each student's individual needs. Offer specific advice and resources based on their goals, strengths, and areas for improvement. Help them create a personalized academic plan that aligns with their aspirations and addresses any obstacles they may encounter.

Regular check-ins: Schedule regular meetings with your students to check on their progress, well-being, and overall satisfaction with their academic experience. Use these opportunities to provide guidance, address concerns, and offer encouragement. Maintain consistent communication through emails, virtual platforms, or other means to ensure ongoing support.

Follow-up and follow-through: If you promise to follow up on a particular issue or concern, make sure to do so. Students appreciate advisors who demonstrate reliability and keep their commitments. Even if you don't have an immediate solution, communicate your ongoing effort and willingness to assist them.

Personal anecdotes and experiences

Share relevant personal experiences or stories to create connections and demonstrate that you understand what your students may be going through. This can help foster a sense of trust and authenticity in your advising relationships.

Professional development

Stay updated on best practices and research in academic advising. Attend workshops, conferences, or webinars to enhance your skills and knowledge. Seek opportunities for professional development to further improve your ability to support and care for your students effectively.

Closing thoughts

The "Give a Shit" theory goes beyond just following these strategies. It's an attitude and approach that requires genuine care and concern for your students as individuals. By incorporating these practices into your academic advising, you can make a meaningful impact on your students' lives and contribute to their overall success and well-being. This philosophy emphasizes the transformative power of caring for students as individuals. It challenges us to go beyond the confines of policies and expertise and instead prioritize empathy, understanding, and genuine concern for their well-being. The impact of truly caring about our students can shape their college experience, academic achievements, and even their lives beyond the classroom.

As academic advisors, we have the incredible opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students. By embracing this philosophy, we can create a culture of care that empowers and supports them through the challenges and triumphs of their educational journey. It's about building relationships, listening actively, and providing personalized guidance that goes beyond the academic realm.

So, I invite you to reflect on your own approach as an academic advisor. How can you amplify your level of care and concern for your students? How can you foster an environment where they feel seen, heard, and valued? It's not always easy, especially with heavy workloads and limited time, but even small actions can have a profound impact.

Let us commit to scheduling check-ins, practicing active listening, and offering personalized support. Let us share our own experiences and stories to connect with our students on a deeper level. And above all, let us prioritize empathy and understanding, knowing that these qualities can shape not only their college experience but also their lifelong journey of learning and growth.

Together, let's embrace the "Give a Shit" philosophy of academic advising and make caring for our students a fundamental pillar of our practice. In doing so, we can create a positive ripple effect that extends far beyond our offices and contributes to the success, well-being, and happiness of our students.