Good referral skills are essential in the advisor-advisee relationship. Accurate information is the cornerstone of quality advising. Advisors must assist students in understanding programs, policies and procedures and should acquaint advisees with the catalog, advising handbook, planning worksheets, etc. After an advisee conference, note the content of the discussion with particular attention paid to problems, proposals, or referrals. In preparation for an advising conference, review notes of previous contacts.
Students deserve encouragement for their achievements.
Oddly, they seldom get it since achievements are quite relative. Let your advisee know you value his or her efforts and success relative to abilities.