Advisors

Build Trust. Meet students where they are by listening first and avoiding assumptions; trust builds when students feel genuinely heard. Consistent follow-up and clear next steps can make even brief advising interactions impactful.

Promote Self-Reflection. Ask probing questions that help students to consider the difference between difficult work and work that is dissatisfying or a bad fit for their strengths and developing interests. Affirm that it is very normal for their plans to evolve and mature during college.

Foster a Growth Mindset. Validate students’ experiences, strengths, and ability to succeed. Help them make sense of setbacks and reframe failures as opportunities to keep learning and growing.

Expand Knowledge of Resources. There are so many resources and opportunities at U-M that students often overlook options that are particularly relevant to their goals. Help them curate a list of opportunities and support systems that are specific to their needs.

Celebrate Small Victories. Advising is often complex, fast-paced work. Take the time to celebrate victories you experience with students. This acknowledges the student’s accomplishments but also helps you notice the value of advising work and your own professional contributions and growth.

Make Wellness Part of Your Work. Leave time between appointments to write advising notes, complete follow-up, prepare and take a breath. When the pace of work is too rapid, it can be difficult to focus on the student and leads to advisor exhaustion. A less rushed schedule is better for everyone.