Selection and Assignment of Advisers:
All Rhodes students are assigned academic advisers prior to the beginning of their first year. This assignment is based on information supplied on the advising and planning surveys returned during the summer. Each incoming student is given the opportunity to indicate a department of interest, and every effort is made to assign an adviser from that division. Although a student may request a different adviser at any time, ordinarily the first-year adviser serves until the student declares a major, which must be done by the end of the sophomore year.  

The Importance of Advising:
The importance of faculty advisers to new students cannot be stressed enough. Many students come to Rhodes with an unrealistic attitude towards their college education. When they encounter problems, the first non-student they approach is normally their adviser. It is, thus, essential for the adviser to establish and maintain an open relationship with his or her advisees and be prepared to help the student solve his or her problems, either personally or by directing the student to the appropriate resource person. (See the "Referral Resources" section of this handbook for a listing of support services and contact people on campus.)

The Adviser′s Responsibilities:
It is the adviser’s responsibility to assist the student in:

• learning about degree requirements and college policies and procedures;
• choosing suitable courses for each semester;
• fulfilling general degree and major requirements in a timely fashion; and
• solving academic or personal problems when possible, and obtaining the assistance of other people when necessary.

During each semester, two activities involve all advisers and students. Mid-term grades for all students are sent to advisers. All students should have the opportunity to discuss their grades with their advisers. A few weeks after that, registration materials are sent to advisers. After consulting the schedule of classes, students again meet with their advisers to register for the following semester. Some advisers send notes to their advisees as a reminder of both of these meetings, and many find it beneficial to have students sign up for appointments.

Duties of the Adviser:

• Keep a file on each advisee with an up-to-date worksheet showing progress toward the degree. Forward the student’s file to the new adviser when a new adviser is chosen.
• Preserve confidentiality. Student materials should never be left outside a faculty office, and mid-term grades should not be sent through campus mail.
• Maintain a pressure-free environment. The adviser’s role does not include the recruiting of majors!
• Make referrals when necessary. (See the "Referral Resources" section of this handbook for a list of support services and contact people.)
• Set up conference times to discuss mid-term grades and registration.

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