The advisor's philosophy focuses on social justice, empowering students, treating each student as an individual, and collaboration. Their philosophy of social justice emphasizes equal rights and opportunities for underrepresented groups in higher education. They aim to empower students by educating them about college processes and resources to become self-reliant. An individualistic approach is taken to advising different students effectively based on their unique needs. Collaboration with other advisors improves advising through sharing information and techniques.

1. Advising Philosophy
As an academic advisor since 2014 and working as an adjunct since 2011, I have developed
my advising philosophy to reflect the way I blend my personal core values into my advising
core values:
Social Justice. Social justice is defined as the view that everyone deserves equal economic,
political, and social rights and opportunities. This belief holds especially true for
individuals whom embark on continuing their education at the college level. Until the past
fifty years colleges and universities have been solely for white students, and priority given
to heterosexual, cisgender, Christian, able bodied, men. Although, there has been increased
inclusion into these institutions there remains a large and significant gap with regards to
resources, and equitable treatment of those that come from underrepresented populations.
As I increase my understanding of this, social justice has become a central and all-
encompassing theme in my advising philosophy.
Student empowering. By educating students on how processes work, including
registering for courses, exploring majors, and other necessary tools and knowledge needed
to have a successful and meaningful college experience, students are able to become self-
reliant and confident students. By empowering students with knowledge of how
institutions function advising sessions are able to take on a deeper and more profound
experience.
Individualistic. Treating every student as an individual has become a central part to my
advising practice. Just as not all students learn the same way nor do they all retain
information the same way during an advising session. This means approaching students in
a multifaceted way that will have the greatest results in reaching each student. No two
students are alike, and by following this philosophy I am better able to provide the best
advising experience for each student.
Collaboration. In order to give our students the most up-to-date and accurate advice on
courses, career opportunities, and resources, collaboration is vital. Through impromptu
gatherings in the hallway to discuss students’ needs or through my involvement on several
committees, including the racial microaggressions research team at the University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, I have seen how working with colleagues in my offices and
across the campus can improve one’s own advising practice through the sharing of
information and techniques.