The Complete Bureaucrat

The Parent

The Buddy

Expects advisee to have a copy of her transcript, a program sheet filled in, a proposed schedule for next semester, an alternate schedule, and a sketched out plan for graduation.

Looks up the transcript, goes over and fills out a program sheet for the student, tells the student what courses to take, gives advice on roommate issues too.

Loves to talk about sports, movies, music, and college life. Advises two or three clubs and teams.  Eventually gets around to talking about courses.

“Get organized!”

“Let me help you!”

“Whuzzup?!”

The Busy Scholar

The Ghost

The Clueless

Gives the student his Registration PIN immediately on contact.

Hard to find. If no students make appointments for a office hour the Ghost feels entitled to leave.

Knows less about the requirements of the University than the student. Has no idea where the program sheets are or what they are for.

“122878, OK?”

“Where was I?

Where were you?”

“You really should ask somebody.”

The Anal Retentive

The Operator

The Shrinking Violet

As a second semester 1^st-year, plots out course schedules for the next four years. Asks advice about grad schools and whether it would look better to take ART 100 or PHI 100 on her resume.

Looks for the paths of least resistance, always wants to know the requirements rather than the content of courses. Asks about professors attitudes towards lateness, neatness, and coolness.

Painfully shy. Will not ask a question.  Ever.  So tight lipped that the advisor is never sure if he has understood anything discussed. 

“Do you know a good LSAT prep program?”

“Does that have a lot of homework?”

“Um… sure.. yeah … I think so…”

The Professional

The Confused

The Procrastinator

Knows the routine, knows the requirements, handy to have around when another student needs advising. Has forms, knows when registration starts, makes appointment early, pretty much self advising.

Never has the program sheet, so is given a new one at each advisement session, which is promptly lost. Registers for any course that fits the schedule and graduates with 30 excess credits, if he graduates at all.

Knows the requirements, but delays taking needed courses. Often thinks that class standing is based on the number of calendar years, not credits. Often found in 100 level courses in her senior year.

“Sign here.”

“I need Spanish? I thought I took that.. Wait, it was English.”

“How can I only be a junior? I’ve been here four years!”