Personal Philosophy of Advisement
I have been interested in various forms of education since my junior year in high school. Since that time, I have placed education as both a personal and occupational priority. My experience has provided me with numerous opportunities to utilize diverse methods of imparting and gaining knowledge. Along that journey I have discovered that as we learn how to self-reflect, observe, and share our observations, we become more appreciative of the world and people around us. I believe that education contributes to the development of self-reliant individuals who feel and are able to communicate a sense of choice and control over themselves. This increased power of the individual enhances their ability to positively contribute to society. Education is currently being charged with not only imparting knowledge and information but also with developing character, independent thinking, problem solving, decision making and life skills. The Advisor plays a crucial role in these areas of development that are inextricably linked to the overall academic and personal success of the student.
Academic advisement should be focused on empowering, teaching and coaching the student. Advisors are charged with helping students understand the University's expectations while at the same time fostering a sense of independence and assist them in achieving their determined individual and educational goals. One of the primary ways to accomplish this is by helping students recognize their academic strengths and weaknesses, establish realistic educational goals, and identify the courses and resources necessary to achieve these goals. Advisement services should be tailored and vary with each student, depending on the circumstances and the needs of the student.
The role of the Academic Advisor is one that varies from being a source of information, serving as an advocate for students, to a career counselor, a transcript evaluator, a confidant, a referral source and overall resource of support for the student. The Advisor also serves as an integral team member to the university wide system, often being the students’ link between various campus offices, resources and services. Academic advisement is a large part of a student’s educational experience and I feel privileged to be part of that experience.
K. Kight
“Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time.”