giving support
In Advising
1. Express genuine interest in the whole person. Small
talk is crucial - ask about extracurriculars, friends, family.
2. Be personal and open about yourself. By being open
and comfortable, you give your student permission to
be open and comfortable as well.
3. Express confidence in the abilities of the student.
This can take the form of specific praise, or just
straightforward affirmation. Sometimes, a “You’re clever, you can handle it” is enough.
4. Still, it’s worthwhile to familiarize yourself with the
student’s strengths and weaknesses. Ask: what kinds
of work do they enjoy? And what kinds of work do they
hate?
5. Be clear that your confidence in the student is not
contingent on her academic success - the student “belongs” in the field regardless of whether or not it’s easy
for her
6. Be clear that struggle is normal and healthy, and not
indicative of low ability or “not belonging”
7. Express awareness of and interest in difficulties a
student may have experienced due to their gender/
minority status, give them space to vent and express
sympathy/concern. Take their complaints seriously.