Advisers are sensitive to the values and mores of the surrounding community, sharing these with and interpreting them to students. Advisers are aware of community programs and services and may become models for students by participating in community activities themselves. Advisers are responsible to their professional role as advisers and to themselves personally. Advisers, as professionals, are expected to engage in professional development activities to maintain skills and promote professional growth. Advisers understand the personal demands which accompany the human services aspects of advising.
Advisers develop skills for taking care of themselves physically, emotionally and spiritually.
They learn how to distance themselves from students' problems while maintaining a keen listening ear and providing sensitive response. They establish and maintain appropriate boundaries. They need to be nurtured by others within the profession and they need to nurture their colleagues. They seek support for themselves within and outside the University. Academic advising lends itself well to research.