Advising

At its most basic, advising focuses on the nuts and bolts of information sharing. The advisor is essentially the deliverer of information, providing information on topics such as classes, scheduling and academic program requirements.

Coaching

Coaching involves sharing insights and information regarding useful resources. It is focused on helping students to develop skills and make connections, empowering them to seek out services and information on their own.  Coaching is not tutoring because the focus of the relationship is not the teaching of course content.

Counseling

As the advising relationship becomes more personal, so too does the advising relationship, and the support becomes more holistic. The advisor comes to know their advisee as a person, not just as a student and may offer support that includes helping the advisee resolve personal and/or social issues.

Mentoring

The mentoring relationship is the most personal and enduring of the four relationships.  It tends to develop organically as the advisor and advisee develop mutual trust and regard.  Oftentimes, the advisor will find themselves involved in the life of their advisee outside of academics and the relationship extends beyond academics and lasts well beyond graduation.