Advising professionals at Guttman Community College utilize a three-tiered advising framework that is rooted in the Appreciative Advising model. This model serves as a thread throughout a student’s entire educational journey at the College. During the First Year Experience (FYE), advisors utilize a Proactive Advising approach and gradually shift to a Coaching model as students enter the programs of study. This framework centers the student-advisor relationship by identifying personal strengths, providing appropriate resources, and developing goal-oriented action plans that will promote success as students transition to a four-year institution and/or the workforce.
Advising Framework
Appreciative Advising
Appreciative Advising is the intentional collaborative practice of asking positive, open-ended questions that help students optimize their educational experiences and achieve their dreams, goals, and potentials.
Proactive Advising
Proactive Advising involves building relationships with students by anticipating their needs and connecting them to appropriate resources and support early in their academic careers.
Advising as Coaching
Advising as Coaching is a process designed to facilitate decision-making with students in an effort to provide ongoing accountability and follow-up with a strong emphasis on personal responsibility.
The Student-Advisor Relationship
A productive partnership between the student and advisor begins with a shared understanding of roles and responsibilities. With that in mind, here are expectations for the student-advisor relationship.
Student Responsibilities
- Take advantage of the college experience to clarify your values, strengths, and goals
- Take ownership of academic planning and use a variety of campus resources to pursue goals
- Read your Guttman email and other important communications from the college and your advisor
- Schedule appointments with your advisor as required or when in need of assistance
- Become knowledgeable and adhere to college policies, procedures, and requirements
- Allow for open and honest communication with your advisor and with faculty
- Demonstrate respect for self and all other members of the Guttman community
Advisor Responsibilities
- Acknowledge students’ strengths, successes, and contributions to the Guttman community
- Help students make connections with resources, faculty, and campus opportunities
- Listen to students for understanding
- Support students experiencing difficulties that are academic, personal, or both
- Share information about academic policies so that students can make informed decisions
- Maintain a respectful, supportive environment
- Offer students guidance in navigating college, encouraging self-advocacy
- Respect students as decision-makers at all times
