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Academic Advising

Referring Students to Support

Academic advisors are not expected to be able to address all challenges an advisee might face. Frequently they can best serve students by referring to other resources for challenges beyond an advisor’s professional scope.

Tips for Effective Referrals

The first step in making effective referrals is to remain attentive with students and listen to any clues that may imply the need for a specific resource. For example, poor grades may be a sign of insufficient time management or study skills, but it could also result from financial insecurity. Depending on if the student needs a resource that involves the advisor submitting an alert or if it is simply a resource the student can be directed to, see the following tips on how to efficiently refer them. 

  • Let students know that you are submitting an alert or referral on their behalf and that someone from the partner office should reach out to them to schedule an appointment. Encourage students to take advantage of offered resources.
  • When possible, provide a description of where students will go to obtain support.
    “Your SI session will be on the mezzanine level of the Thomas Cooper Library. When you walk into the library, either go up the stairs to your left or take the elevator up to the mezzanine level. When you get upstairs walk to the end of the hallway and check in at the large desk in front of the Student Success Center. Whoever is working the desk will let you know which tables your session is at. Your session will be facilitated by a peer leader who has taken your class already, is going through it with you again, and has undergone training in planning and leading interactive group learning sessions.” 
  • Facilitate connections between students and resources, but remember that it is the student’s responsibility to follow through. 
  • Document referrals in Navigate.
  • Follow-up with students on their utilization of the resource you referred them to.  
  • With resources that do not include a referral for the advisor to submit, they can simply direct a student to that partner office's website.
  • When possible, be clear with a student where applicable information can be found or provide a description on how the resource can be utilized.For example, an advisor could include the Garnet Gate website link in their post-appointment email to a student followed by a quick description on how to use it.
    "When you follow this link, it will take you to Garnet Gate. This is a one-stop shop for how and where to get involved on campus. You can utilize the search bar on the home page to search groups and organizations based on your interests. Once you have found an organization that you are interested in, visit the website they have provided and/or reach out via the contact information provided. This is how you will be able to find out how to get involved!"
  • In some of these cases, it may make sense to help facilitate connections between students and campus partners in these offices. But again, remember that it is the student’s responsibility to follow through.
  • Document referrals in Navigate.
  • Follow-up with students on their utilization of the resource you referred them to.  

To make effective and efficient referrals, academic advisors must know the resources available to students.  Please familiarize yourself with the following resources and explore their websites for a more detailed explanation of the services they provide. 

 

For information and resources to help students with registration concerns, see the Registration Help page on the UAC website!

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