David Diamond outlines the multiple roles of an effective academic advisor: First, advisors must be prepared to act as first responders to students in crisis, showing compassion and making appropriate referrals. Second, they must be able to communicate cross-culturally, particularly with international students. Third, advisors should serve as academic life coaches by helping students discover pathways that align with their goals and interests. Additionally, advisors must fulfill their traditional role of ensuring students meet graduation requirements while also advocating for students and representing the institution. Ultimately, advisors contribute to creating a more educated society through their important public service role.

1. David Diamond
Academic Advising Philosophy
An academic advisor must fulfill multiple functions in Higher Education, always keeping in mind the
success of each student as an individual. Here is how I plan to approach what I see as the essential roles of the
advisor: first responder, cross-cultural communicator, academic life coach, degree advisor, student advocate,
institutional representative, and public servant.
An academic advisor’s first day on the job might turn out to be the most important, because a student in
crisis could appear at any time. This is why academic advisors must be knowledgeable and mentally prepared
for their role as first responders. When a student tells a story of abuse or shows warning signs for suicide,
learning disability or mental illness, an academic advising session can quickly turn into a crisis intervention. In
these situations, I will show compassion, make appropriate referrals, and handle the situation in a levelheaded
way, recognizing that the student’s life may be saved or a crucial need may be met.
When first meeting students—particularly international students--advisors must act as cross-cultural
communicators. It’s crucial to pursue a basic cultural knowledge, through research and by attending cultural
events or working with student groups. This will help me interpret non-verbal cues correctly and employ
effective communication strategies. Cross-cultural competence extends not only to international students, but
also to those from a distinct community such as LGBTQ. Relationship-building with all students is the first
step towards fulfilling the role of academic life coach. As I learn more about the student’s background, interests,
goals and abilities, I will help him see interesting and productive academic pathways. By working to instill an
appreciation for higher education in the student, and encouraging the student to challenge herself, I will clarify
all the benefits higher education offers. Students who leverage their opportunity to hone skills such as critical
thinking, written communication, statistical interpretation and collaboration reap lifelong benefits. I may be able
to help by offering study strategies, recommending schedule changes, referring students to tutoring, or offering
needed moral support.
An academic advisor’s traditional role in helping the student meet graduation requirements remains
crucial. Especially at the beginning of my career, I’ll continually add to my knowledge of programs and
policies. Relationships with faculty and staff, forged through outreach or community work, will offer
indispensable information. It is also crucial to encourage students to own their higher education experience.
Wrestling with and overcoming problems helps students build confidence and resilience, traits essential for the
bridge to adulthood. At times students will need help clarifying their ideas or facilitating communication,
calling for me to take on a student advocate role. If a student has really been wronged by someone in the higher
education setting, I could be the student’s first point of contact. Connecting the student with appropriate
resources, and even helping to tell the student’s story, may be a vital part of my job.
The needs of the student must be balanced, however, against the needs of the institution. I recognize that I
will represent the institution in all interactions with the student, and must abide by and explain university
policies. At times, I’ll need to tell students information they do not want to hear, or answer questions in a way
they will not like. Advisors should always remember the importance of fairness and consistency in maintaining
institutional integrity and reputation. When ethical dilemmas present themselves, I will try to use creativity to
best serve everyone’s interests; however, I must never lose sight of my responsibility as an institutional
representative.
My role as a public servant will motivate me. Like everyone who works in higher education, academic
advisors create a better-educated populace. This has been shown to improve people’s lives and society. As an
advisor, I’ll have the opportunity to directly observe students as they mature, develop a real passion for what
they want to study, and commit to a rewarding career. I may have the opportunity to see a first-generation
student develop real academic confidence. At times, the work of an academic advisor may be difficult or
demanding, but the value of the higher educational mission will always inspire me.