I have developed processes to solicit input from my advisees so that I can improve my academic advising. Here is an AdvisingSurvey that I used to receive their feedback. Students were invited to respond on a 5-point Likert scale from 1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree. In December, 2008, twelve students responded to the survey, at a time when most students were focused on final exams and leaving for the semester break. Eleven students agreed or strongly agreed with items that suggest that I was knowledgeable, accurate, helpful, and up-to-date. Out of 12 respondents, 11 agreed or strongly agreed that I was available during office hours or by email or telephone or that they could contact me fairly easily when advice was needed. Out of 12 respondents, 11 agreed or strongly agreed that I take their interests into account when advising, refer them to the right people/places when needed, know where to seek answers if in doubt, and am concerned with their success as individuals. Of the 12 respondents, 10 disagreed or were neutral about having their friends provide most of their advising. Also, 9 disagreed or were neutral that they do most of their own advising and that they have little need to see their adviser often.
Associate Professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato