What is Academic Advising?
Earning a college degree can be transformative, but it can also feel like a maze at times — with many different choices for majors, concentrations, elective courses and more. That’s where your academic advisor comes in.
So, what is academic advising?
According to Jennifer Bauchner, a director of academic advising at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), the main role of advising is to help students persist through the challenges of earning their degree.
“It’s supporting students where they are to help them get where they want to be,” Bauchner said.
Whether you’re already enrolled in a degree program or still thinking about applying to college, it’s important to understand how academic advisors can support you as you turn your goals into reality.
What Does an Academic Advisor Do?
Academic advisors are key members of a college or university’s student services. With a strong understanding of degree requirements, university policies and time management strategies, your advisor can help you make informed decisions about your courses and long-term goals.
Academic advisors are also great problem solvers, Bauchner noted, leveraging resourcefulness, flexibility and critical thinking to help you overcome obstacles. They are in place to help make your college experience a smooth one. She said some of the most common ways your advisor can support you include:
- Course selection and registration support: Advisors can help you choose the right classes to fulfill your degree requirements and stay on track for graduation.
- Helping you navigate the different phases of your education: Whether you want to change your major or simply adjust your registration, your advisor can assist you.
- Offering academic advice and guidance: They can identify the degree programs and individual courses and suggest completing an internship or other activities that align with your career goals.
- Proactive outreach when you need motivation: They can act as a personalized support system, providing encouragement when you face challenges.
- Supplying and connecting you with resources: Your advisor can help you access other student services, such as tutoring centers, mental health support, financial aid or career advising.
Academic advisors also bring a wide range of experiences to their role. While many study human services or a related field, Bauchner said people with diverse educational and professional backgrounds are often drawn to the profession.
Bauchner, for instance, spent years working in human resources and operations leadership roles on Wall Street and in the hospitality industry before transitioning to academic advising.
This diversity in experience is key to providing you with the best support, no matter what you're studying or what responsibilities you're balancing with your coursework.
When is Academic Advising Helpful?
Academic advisors can offer vital assistance throughout your higher education journey.
At SNHU, Bauchner noted, you will have an advisor supporting you from the start of your degree program until graduation. This gives you an opportunity to create a meaningful relationship with someone who can help you persevere through any obstacles you may encounter.
Bauchner said advisors are especially helpful during significant transitions, including:
- Starting college
- Returning to college
- Changing your major
They can also offer assistance if life's daily challenges interfere with the time and energy you put into your classes. "Providing motivation and support has a powerful impact in these moments," Bauchner said, noting that advisors are there to listen and connect you with resources that can help you persevere.
And if you find yourself facing an unexpected illness or a family emergency, advisors can take action, she said, whether you need help notifying your instructors or planning for a term off.
Why is Academic Advising Important?
Working with academic advisors can have a profound impact on your higher education experience, so it's beneficial to search for a college or university with a supportive advising team in place. Your advisor can help reduce the stress of managing academic requirements and provide much-needed encouragement if your courses get tough.
"Knowing that someone is cheering for you and believes in you — there to help you through the challenging times and celebrate your wins can make all the difference in whether or not one makes it to the finish line in earning their degree," Bauchner said.
She noted that advisors at SNHU also often support non-traditional students who are balancing work, school and family responsibilities. Many students are the first in their families to attend college and benefit from consistent support.
“For some students, their advisor is their only champion,” Bauchner said.
SNHU alumnus Travis Baril '24 said that working with his advisor was one of the most impactful parts of his college experience. Baril earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from SNHU more than 20 years after first enrolling in college in 2002. The support of his advisor, Heather Joubert, was invaluable, he said.
“She emailed me regularly and checked in all the time with my classes,” Baril said. “Anytime that I was starting to feel like I was starting to lose that will to keep going, Heather was really good to pick me back up from that.”
According to Bauchner, the work of advisors not only impacts students’ futures, it’s also a key part of what keeps a college or university running smoothly.
“Advisors are the heart of this work that we do at SNHU,” she said. “(Advising) is a central function in the organization, connected with every other area of the university through the work that we do with our students each day.”
A degree can change your life. Choose your program from 200+ SNHU degrees that can take you where you want to go.
Danielle Gagnon is a freelance writer focused on higher education. She started her career working as an education reporter for a daily newspaper in New Hampshire, where she reported on local schools and education policy. Gagnon served as the communications manager for a private school in Boston, MA before later starting her freelance writing career. Today, she continues to share her passion for education as a writer for Southern New Hampshire University. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
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About Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.
Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs. Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.