1. Read the section on All About Advisement.
2. Make a file folder for each student.  Information that goes in the file folder can be found under “The Advisee File.”
3. Print the form Advisee Notes to use to log in notes from each session with each advisee.
4. Secure each student’s placement test scores if they have not been sent to you. Ask your supervisor who to contact if you have not received these.
5. Review your program checklist so you will know where they are and how to print them for each student.  If you advise only one program you can have a few of those already printed.  These will help you show the student what he/she has to take each semester and will serve as a log for progress and grades.
6. Have a current list of courses offered for that specific semester and a current catalog available.
    

The First Interview: Consider these six steps as you plan the initial advisement interview. Also, print the guide to the advisement interview found on the All About Advising page of the website. This will assist you in knowing how to start the interview, pose certain questions, be a good listener, and how to end the interview.  Remember this is your time to get to know the student as a person, not just to select courses.

Six Steps of the Interview

1. Exploration of life goals and student interest:  Get students to fill out an advisee information card that will have there name and email address so you will be able to contact them.  The form also included student interests and life goal areas.  Ask students where they see themselves in the next 5 years, 10 years.
2. Exploration of educational & career goals:  Ask questions like:  “Why did you choose to come to BCC? 
3. Selection of educational program:  Try to find out what program of study the student has selected or wants to explore.
4. Selection of courses:  Based on selection of program of study, print the program checklist and talk about the courses the student must take the first semester.
5. Scheduling of classes:  Using the schedule of courses, select appropriate courses and sections. Once you and the student have selected courses for the semester, make a copy for his/her file.
6. Referral to appropriate college resources as needed or requested:   Invite students to set a time for the student to check in with you about how things are going.
    

1. Send students an email to offer support and remind them to make an appointment to see you.
2. Update the advisement checklist when students receive grades each semester.
3. Make copies of any email communication between you and the student and place them in the file folder.