At Bates, advisors and students work together in a partnership. The goal of the partnership is thoughtful discussion of a student’s goals and responsibilities while at Bates, and after graduation.

Advisors bring to the discussions their knowledge of academic disciplines and of Bates College, awareness of what students must do to learn from their courses, and an appreciation of the personal and intellectual changes facing students. Their questions, observations and advice can help students make decisions about individual courses, long-term planning for their academic careers, choice of major, and life plans.

Students bring to the discussions their goals for their four years at Bates, their academic and personal interests, as well as hopes and plans for the years following Bates. Students use their advisors as mentors and resources, people who can help students get the information they need to make decisions, people who can encourage students to think through their goals and plans.

Advisors’ Responsibilities
academic mentoring
listen, ask questions, discuss
ask about goals at Bates and after
act as supportive critic
explain purposes of requirements
help students achieve goals
show up for the job
take students seriously
take the necessary time
help students learn to find info
reasonable accessibility
keep appts./office hrs
make times of availability clear
appt. within a week

Not Advisors’ Responsibilities
filling out forms for students
registering students for courses
initiating advising meetings
making sure requirements are completed
getting information for students
making decisions for students

Students’ Responsibilities
take responsibility for academic career
listen, ask questions, discuss
think about goals, for Bates and after
explain ideas and plans
make use of advisor’s knowledge
think about the questions from advisor
evaluate the advice given
show up for the job
find out office hours from syllabus/door
come to advising meetings prepared
take time for conversation with advisor
keep appointments
make decisions
decide on courses, major
consider and reconsider goals
take charge of all registration matters
get necessary information
learn and complete all requirements
register and fill out necessary forms

Not Students’ Responsibilities
knowing immediately Bates requirements
knowing immediately goals for Bates, career and life
memorizing college catalog