This is your student’s Academic Journey!

Student role

Think of your student as flying a plane. They are in the Pilot seat ready to take-off on this new adventure! Student responsibility is the key to all development and learning (Davis & Murrell, 2003). We emphasize the student role as the more responsibility the students have for their educational journey, the more meaningful it will be. Your student should practice self-advocating for themselves during their time here. Academic advisors and family members encourage students to grow into this responsibility.

Academic advisor role

Think of their advisor as a Co-pilot. They are there to help your student when there could be possible turbulence along the way! Advisors do more than help students register for class. Advisors foster and encourage personal and intellectual growth in students (Crookston, 1972). They are well-informed about Elon’s student resources, which enables them to assist students in navigating these resources and opportunities. They assist in the student developing a meaningful education plan that is compatible with the student’s personal and/or career goals. The advisor continues to encourage the student to take ownership of their educational journey.

While Academic Advisors can make suggestions and recommendations to the Elon student, it is important to note that ultimately, every decision is made by the student, themselves.

Family or Guardian role

Lastly, you, as the parent or guardian, are the passengers on the plan! trusting that your student will land safely!

Family members are crucial to a student’s success. Today’s college students often look up to their family members as mentors and role models. Positive reinforcement can be extremely helpful. It is important for family members to engage in their student’s academic planning and decision-making. And it is equally important that they help their students become self-advocates. We have academic advisors ready to share their wisdom and experiences with your student. However, we understand that it will be a transition to shift primary responsibility from you, as a family member, to your student. We want to encourage you to turn responsibility over to your student. With your encouragement, we know that your student can grow into an amazing professional and Elon alum!

      Source: Menezes, M. D. (2005). Advisors and parents: Together building stronger advising relationships. Retrieved from the NACADA Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources Web site.

       

       

      Disclaimer: We may be limited in our ability to share academic information regarding students due to FERPA regulations. Such conversations require the student to complete the FERPA form allowing designated individuals the ability to inquire about their academic progress. Alternately, the student may provide access via a conference call/discussion. All other inquiries will be addressed in basic terms using publicly available and common information that are not specific to the student.