Faculty advisors are responsible for helping students design their programs of study in the context of a liberal arts education. The advisor is the primary representative of the College to whom students turn when: 1) making or altering course selections, 2) deliberating about major programs and/or minor/concentration options, and 3) thinking about their postgraduate lives.
The key concern of the advisor is the academic activity of their students. However, because students are not compartmentalized into academic and non-academic selves, and because their non-academic involvement frequently influences and impacts their academic work (and vice versa), advisors should be aware of difficulties that may arise and campus resources that are available.
For many years, the faculty has operated under a definition of advising which embraces holistic student development. Attention to non-academic difficulties that arise for students is not only useful for them, but also appropriate to the advisor role, especially given Kenyon’s embrace of the term "Faculty Advisor" over "Academic Advisor" – a subtle but important distinction.
Because faculty vary significantly in both experience and confidence in advising, some sections of this handbook may seem more relevant and useful than others. The recommendations are, of course, not binding. Advisors should use common sense and their own ingenuity. These recommendations will hopefully clarify the role of the advisor as well as convey the richness and importance of the role. Students need sound, informed advice. Advisors are the chief source.
That said, the Dean for Academic Advising and Support is the primary resource offered by the College to assist advisors. Various kinds of problems can arise for the advisor – a student may resist advice or guidance; a student may experience a sudden decline in academic performance; a student may receive and/or take inaccurate or inappropriate suggestions; an instructor may behave in a manner a student deems unfair. These, and a multitude of other difficulties, can occur. In such instances, the advisor should feel free to turn to the Dean.
Often, it helps simply to talk about the problem and get a new perspective on it. In some cases, the Dean may be able to supply useful information or advice. On occasion, the Dean may wish to assume responsibility for the matter. In most cases, the advisor should remain in command of the problem, dealing with the situation as discretion and judgment expect.
The important point to remember is this:
The Dean for Academic Advising and Support is ready and willing to help any advisor at any time.
For more information, please download the Faculty Advisor Handbook.